eu-com-schengen-coop

The key challenge during the reporting period was the implementation of the main destination rule
(art. 5 VC): The host country authorities and the flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines repeatedly
published misleading information about the relevant rules. At the same time, the border control
authorities of certain Schengen MS enforced the main destination rule particularly strictly,
including refusals of entry at the border. This led to a number of exchanges with the host country
authorities which eventually had a positive result: At the end of the reporting period the host
country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a text message to all mobile phones in the country which
summarised the main destination rule correctly.
3.2 Assessment of the need to harmonise the lists of supporting documents
MS are implementing the harmonised list of supporting document since 15 September 2011. After
the summer season (usual rotation period for staff in MS embassies / consulates) EUD reminded
MS of the need to continue ensuring a harmonised application of the list and the need to keep its
elements publicly available.
3.3 Exchange of information
The list of trusted providers of Travel Medical Insurance was updated during the reporting period:
three new companies were added.
MS circulated amongst each other cases of suspected fraud bilaterally or by means of the LSC
mailing list.
Due to staff shortage, EUD struggled to continue the regular compilation of monthly visa statistics
(art. 48.3.a VC) as from 1 January 2014.
3.4 Any other initiative taken in LSC
none
4. Challenges
During the reporting period, LSC has not succeeded in convening a third meeting of the joint
Schengen-KSA technical working group on visa. In spite of several attempts, the Saudi side
remained evasive. Therefore, a number of serious issues with Saudi visa procedures for Schengen
citizens could not properly be addressed.
5. Other issues
Contrary to its own legislation, Saudi Arabian procedures for the issuance of visas to business
travellers continue being extremely lengthy, cumbersome and unpredictable. Several business
delegations from MS had to cancel planned visits because of this. EUD continued pressing the host
country's authorities to review their practice.
Saudi Arabia usually only issues single-entry visas, including for business travellers. Saudi Arabia
continues to put obstacles to visa applications from women, in particular those under the age of 40.
Saudi Arabia does not issue any tourist visas. Saudi Arabian embassies / consulates in MS are
increasingly using external service providers which are, in general, inefficient and offer a very
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DG D 1 A
EN