EU Unveils Extended Schengen Visa Scheme for Indian Nationals

Key Points:

1. A new “ cascade” system has been introduced for Schengen visa for Indians.
2. This new system aims to simplify the multiple entry process and also assists in extending the validity periods for Schengen visa applications.
3. This new Schengen visa regime, which replaces the standard visa code rule, will be applicable from April 18th’24. This is beneficial for Indian travellers. 
4. Indian residents can now receive long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after lawfully obtaining and using two visas within the previous three years.
5. This step highlights India’s significance as a key partner for the European Union and defines a smooth relationship between both parties.
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In recent Schegan visa news for Indians, the European Commission has announced a new system to simplify the process of visa issuance. For Indian citizens applying for Schengen visas, a new “Cascade” system has been introduced, which will be effective from April 18th. The major reason behind this change is to simplify the access to multiple-entry and an extensive validity period. These changes in the Schengen visa application for Indians replace the standard visa code regulations. 
The visa would be valid for two years after lawfully acquiring and utilising two visas within the preceding three years. In the time period of the initial two years, individuals can apply for a five-year visa if their passports are valid for those many years. These changes also enable travellers to move freely within the Schengen area for short stays of 90 days and up to 180 days period.
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Schengen area per se is nothing but a cumulative mix of around 29 countries in Europe. This includes Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This initiative primarily reflects upon the recent EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility. The aim here is to bolster the cooperation between the EU and India by establishing a vital relationship. This also encourages people-to-people interaction between all the European countries and India. The upgraded visa regime underscores India's significance as a crucial partner for the EU and reflects the deepening relationship between the two entities.
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This news on Schengen visas is a sigh of relief for Indians as it grants them the freedom to travel across the Schengen area without worry. However, these visas do not authorise employment for Indians in the Schengen area. With the implementation of this new regime by the European Commission, Indian nationals with established travel histories will encounter less difficulty in obtaining long-term multi-entry visas, thus making travel to Europe more accessible and convenient. The Schengen visa requirements for Indians remain the same. 

TD;LR

The European Commission has announced a few changes in the issuance of Schengen visas for Indians. These changes will help Indian nationals pacify the Schengen visa application process and ensure that individuals can secure long-term and multi-entry visas without much hassle. Indian residents can now secure long-term, multi-entry visas valid for two years after using two visas within the previous three years. Subsequently, they may apply for a five-year visa, provided their passport remains valid. These changes also assist those who travel to the Schengen area for short stays.