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Context:

• The new visa ‘cascade’ regime of EU will provide Indian nationals easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers “with an established travel history, if the passport validity allows.

Details:

• The updated visa rules now allow Indian nationals to get multiple-entry Schengen visas with an extended validity period.
• It is known as the “cascade” system.
• The new regime aims to simplify the visa application process for frequent travellers with proven travel history, provided their passport validity allows it.
• The new rules have been made in the context of “strengthened relations” under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India, with facilitation of people-to-people contacts being of key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU.
• The agenda also emphasises the importance of a collaborative approach to migration policy between the EU and India.

Benefits of the “cascade” system:

• Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining.
• During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

Schengen visa:

• It is an official document mandatory for some non-Europeans to travel to all the 27 countries which are part of the Schengen area.

Details about visa:

• Schengen Visa Requirement: Non-European nationals are obliged to obtain a Schengen Visa to visit any of the 27 countries within the Schengen area.
• Border Crossing Convenience: Once acquired, the Schengen Visa allows the holder to cross borders of other member states without facing identity checks at each border point.
• Duration of Stay: The visa permits short stays within the Schengen area, capped at a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Travel Freedom: Holders of the Schengen Visa have the freedom to travel and explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Schengen area without hindrances related to border controls.
• Limitations on Work: It's important to note that Schengen visas do not grant the right to seek employment or engage in any work-related activities within the Schengen area. They are solely for travel and short-term stays.

Schengen Area Countries:

• The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries of which 25 are EU states (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 and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).

Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Agreement traces its origins back to the Schengen Agreement of 1985, which was signed on June 14, 1985, in the village of Schengen in Luxembourg. This initial agreement laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of the Schengen Area.

• Entry into Force: While the Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, it did not come into effect until much later. The agreement was implemented gradually, with some provisions being put into practice before others. The full implementation of the Schengen Agreement occurred on March 26, 1995, when internal border controls were abolished among the initial group of member states.
• Free Movement of People: The Schengen Agreement facilitates the free movement of people within the Schengen Area. This means that citizens of member states, as well as certain non-citizens with valid Schengen visas, can travel between participating countries without encountering border controls or the need to show passports or other forms of identification at internal borders.
• Abolition of Internal Borders: One of the fundamental aspects of the Schengen Agreement is the abolition of internal borders between member states. This allows for seamless travel within the Schengen Area, enhancing economic integration and cultural exchange among participating countries.
• Common Visa Policy: The Schengen Agreement establishes a common visa policy among member states for travelers from non-Schengen countries. This means that a single Schengen visa, issued by any member state, allows the holder to travel freely within the entire Schengen Area for a specified period, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This simplifies the visa process for tourists, business travelers, and other visitors to the Schengen Area.
• Enhanced Security Cooperation: While internal borders are open within the Schengen Area, member states maintain stringent security measures at their external borders. This includes cooperation on border control, immigration, and law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of the Schengen Area as a whole. Additionally, the Schengen Information System (SIS) enables member states to share information about individuals and objects of interest, such as stolen passports or wanted criminals, to enhance security and prevent cross-border crime.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-nationals-can-now-apply-for-multiple-entry-schengen-visa-with-longer-validity/article68094987.ece

PRACTICE QUESTION Q) Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Schengen Area? A) It encompasses 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. B) The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, aimed to facilitate the free movement of people within its territory while maintaining stringent security measures at external borders. C) Countries within the Schengen Area retain full autonomy over their immigration policies, including the right to impose visa requirements on non-EU citizens. D) The United Kingdom and Ireland are not part of the Schengen Area. Answer: A