Changes to the Visa Information System (VIS) are aimed at strengthening control over those arriving in European Union countries
Now, the Visa Information System (VIS) will record data not only on short-term visas but also on long-term visas and residence permits, since all these documents allow their holders to move freely within the Schengen area. As "Russkaya Germaniya" reminds, the VIS system has been in operation in the European Union since 2011.
The new rules require a more thorough check of the applicant's biographical data in relevant security and migration databases before deciding on issuing a visa or residence permit. This will allow for more effective identification of potential violators of migration laws and those who may pose a security threat.
Data of visa or residence permit applicants will be checked against local law enforcement databases. It is planned that in the future, VIS will also be linked to Europol databases (for example, Europol will be able to obtain VIS information on the availability of visas and residence permits, and vice versa), as well as to Interpol's database, which will allow consulates to access information about individuals previously convicted of terrorism and other serious crimes.
Under the new rules, the visa photo must be taken exclusively at the time of application. At the same time, consulates and visa centers of Schengen member states may also require additional, pre-taken photographs. The innovation also applies to children under 6 years of age. The procedure of photographing young children directly at visa centers may likely cause stress, but the EU Council emphasized that this measure is being introduced specifically in the interests of minors to prevent child trafficking.
In addition, the age of Schengen visa applicants required to undergo fingerprinting is changing. Currently, only children over 12 years old must provide fingerprints, but after the new rules come into force, all children aged 6 and older will have to undergo fingerprinting.
At the same time, applicants over 75 years old will be able to avoid fingerprinting due to the illegibility of fingerprints in elderly people.
Biometric data of adult visa recipients will be stored in VIS databases for five years (as is currently the case). Biometric data of children under 12 years old will be deleted upon departure from the Schengen area or upon expiration of the issued visa.