Progressive measures are being taken by Fiji’s Mission in Brussels to ease the processing of Schengen visas to Europe.

In doing so, saving Fijians time and costs currently associated whilst applying for the Schengen Visa to travel to Europe is also part of it.

Fiji’s Ambassador at the Fiji Embassy in Brussels, Deo Saran says that the Mission is holding discussions with the European Union to put in necessary arrangements to ease the process required by Fijians in accessing visa to travel to Europe.

Ambassador Saran says that while Fiji is holding talks with the European Union on this new arrangement, a successful outcome of current talks will largely depend on individual approval by EU member states.

“This will require the Mission to undertake consultations and bilateral discussions with the European Union member states to seek their support to have an agency in Fiji that can process the visa on their behalf. We do hope to put in the necessary mechanisms in place by this year so we can have the visa processing arrangements done in Fiji”.

Currently, people have to travel all the way to Wellington or Vanuatu and it takes almost a week or so to get a visa to Europe.

Having the visa processed in Fiji will be a huge relief for Fijians,” Ambassador Saran notes.