Belgium Launches New Visa Processing Centre in Rabat to Streamline Student Applications
Rabat, Morocco – In a significant move to enhance consular services for Moroccan nationals, Belgium has officially opened a new visa processing centre in Rabat. Initially, the facility will cater exclusively to Moroccan students pursuing higher education opportunities in Belgium, with plans to later expand its services to applicants seeking short-term visas for other purposes.
The new centre, which complements Belgium’s existing facility in Casablanca, is aimed at simplifying the student visa application process. Previously, Moroccan students had to visit both the Belgian Embassy in Rabat and the visa centre in Casablanca to complete their applications. With the launch of the Rabat centre, students can now complete the full process in one city, streamlining the procedure and reducing travel burdens.
“This centre fits perfectly into our strategy to bring our services closer to citizens,” said Joris Salden, Director General for Consular Affairs at Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We are pleased to welcome these students as part of high-quality academic programs offered in Belgium, which contribute to strengthening the historic ties between our two countries.”
Applicants are still required to complete a study questionnaire at the Belgian Embassy, but all other steps, including submitting visa applications, will now take place at the new Rabat centre.
Salden also highlighted that digitalisation efforts are helping speed up the processing of visa applications, contributing to a more efficient system overall.
Belgian Ambassador to Morocco, Gilles Heyvaert, echoed these sentiments, stating that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to deliver “quality services” and ensure visa applications are processed “within a reasonable timeframe.” Heyvaert also emphasized the strategic partnership between Belgium and Morocco, noting that the new centre reinforces bilateral cooperation.
According to data from SchengenVisaInfo, Belgium received 16,925 Schengen visa applications from Moroccan nationals in 2024. Out of those, 10,404 were approved, while 6,249 applications were rejected.
The Rabat centre is expected to play a pivotal role in easing access to Belgian education and deepening academic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Source: SchengenVisaInfo
