"The embassy is aware that from time to time, Ukrainian citizens who apply to the German embassy for a visa are approached outside the embassy or visa department by individuals who promise to help obtain a visa for a certain sum of money. The embassy has no ability to intervene in this practice," the statement notes.
The embassy emphasizes that Ukrainian citizens "have absolutely no need to turn to the numerous 'intermediaries' who offer their services near the embassy. These helpers are guided solely by their business interests. If you use these services, it will in no way improve your chances of obtaining a visa. The decisive factor in obtaining a visa is meeting the legal prerequisites and the accuracy of the information provided by the applicant," the press release says.
The embassy also reminds that each applicant can personally fill out their visa application form without the help of third parties. Therefore, the embassy recommends carefully studying the relevant provisions on visa prerequisites, information about which is available on the German embassy's website (www.kiew.diplo.de), before submitting a visa application.
The German embassy's statement was a natural reaction to another "visa scandal" that erupted last week. According to media reports, some Ukrainians who tried to obtain Schengen visas "without an interview or queue" fell victim to fraudsters. In the last week alone, 5 people gave several hundred euros to alleged representatives of companies accredited to the German embassy. As a result, gullible citizens lost both their money and documents. Surprisingly, the alarm was raised not by the victims, but by businessmen who legally operate in the visa services market.