French embassy denies visa processing delays

Manama: France's ambassador to Bahrain has denied claims that the French embassy was stalling or delaying the processing of Schengen visas.

Several frustrated would-be travellers have complained that they were forced to wait for days before they could have an appointment and present their papers.

"Delays are not related to the embassy work, but to obtaining an appointment," Yves Oudin said. "Once the application for the visa is submitted to our services, we process it without delays," he said.

Responsible for delivering Schengen visas to several countries, including summer holidays favourites Spain and Greece, the French embassy regularly comes under the onslaught of dozens of applications every day. Many applicants have complained that the rush made it impossible for them to present their papers.

The embassy last month tasked a private company with setting up appointments and urged all would-be travellers to apply through it. However, people said that the company had been overwhelmed and had problems securing appointments.

"We have to make sure there is no confusion about the cause of the delay. I repeat it is not the embassy, but a Bahraini company. We assume the responsibility of issuing the visa and that usually takes only two days," Oudin said. "I urge those who plan to go to one of the Schengen countries to apply well ahead of their travel time," he said.

The ambassador said that the extra 15 dinars is paid to the company for arranging the appointment, and not to the embassy.

The French, German and Italian embassies turn, to varying degrees, into hotspots in Bahrain as locals and expatriates seek the much-coveted Schengen visas. The dilemma is caused mainly by the absence of diplomatic missions representing most of the Schengen visa countries.

France represents Spain, Austria and Greece, Italy covers Malta, and Germany delivers visas for Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden.

According to the French diplomat, the embassy receives between 50 and 60 applications daily.

An official at the Italian embassy in Manama said that they too dealt with about 50 visa applications on a daily basis and that those applying for appointments might have to wait four to five days before they can submit their papers.

Several young people in Bahrain have shifted their travel arrangements from unrest-hit Arab countries to Italy, particularly Milan, the home of their favourite football teams, Milan AC and Inter Milano.

Sporting ties between the two countries received a boost in October when Inter Milan owner and President Massimo Moratti and a delegation that included former Inter and Italy international goalkeeper Francesco Toldo visited Bahrain.

Another boost was the Italian festival held in Manama in February to showcase the beauty, creativity and authenticity of the Italian culture. The event included the screening of Italian films, historical dances, an insight into the life at Court in 18th Century Venice and an exhibition of a six-painting collection dating to the Renaissance period.