9042/10 PR/lm 1 DG H 1 A COUNCIL OF THE ... - Ny i Danmark

V. Examination of applications and decisions takenThe diplomatic mission or consular post shall first check the documents submitted (1) and shall thenbase its decision regarding the visa application on these documents (2):Basic criteria for examining applicationsThe main issues to be borne in mind when examining visa applications are: the security of theContracting Parties and the fight against illegal immigration, as well as other aspects relating tointernational relations. Depending on the country concerned, one of these aspects may takeprecedence over the other, but at no stage should any of them be lost sight of.As far as security is concerned, it is advisable to check that the necessary controls have been carriedout: a search of the entry refusal files (alerts for the purpose of refusing entry) in the SchengenInformation System and consultation of the central authorities of the countries subject to thisprocedure.The diplomatic mission or consular post shall assume full responsibility in assessing whether thereis an immigration risk. The purpose of examining applications is to detect those applicants who areseeking to immigrate to the Member States and set themselves up there, using grounds such astourism, business, study, work or family visits as a pretext. Therefore, it is necessary to beparticularly vigilant when dealing with "risk categories", unemployed persons, those with no regularincome, etc. To the same end, fundamental importance attaches to the interview held with theapplicant to determine the purpose of the journey. Additional supporting documentation, agreedthrough local consular cooperation if possible, may also be required. The diplomatic mission orconsular post must also draw on local consular cooperation to enhance its capacity to detect false orfalsified documents submitted in support of some visa applications. If there is any doubt as to theauthenticity of the papers and supporting documents submitted, including doubt as to the veracity oftheir contents, or over the reliability of statements collected during interview, the diplomaticmission or consular post shall refrain from issuing the visa.Conversely, checks shall be reduced where the applicant is known to be a bona fide person, thisinformation having been exchanged through consular cooperation.9042/10 PR/lm 31DG H 1 AEN