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Maldives and Germany enable German visa applications in Male’ from early 2020

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador of Germany to Maldives, Jörn Rohde have announced that Maldivians will be able to apply for Germany Visa in Male’ starting early next year.

At a joint press conference held at the ministry, both the foreign minister and German ambassador announced the establishment of a VFS Centre in Male’, which would allow Maldivians to apply for Schengen Visa and travel to Germany starting from March 2020. The VFS Centre would initially cater to those travelling to Germany as the main destination.

Foreign Minister Shahid invited more European countries to partner with VFS Global in providing visa facilitation services to Maldivians. The establishment of the VFS Centre in the Maldives would bring an end to the time-consuming and costly process for Maldivians applying for Schengen visa through embassies based in Colombo or New Delhi.

Speaking at the press conference, Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the Ambassador for his personal efforts and the Government of Germany on extending its reach to Maldives, and stated that it is reflective of the growing ties of friendship and cooperation between Maldives and Germany. Ambassador Rohde also expressed confidence that this initiative would strengthen the increased tourism and trade between both the countries.

Meanwhile, the Maldives will also be hosting a temporary biometric clinic from 3-5 February next year, to provide visa facilitation services to those travelling to Berlin in March to attend the annual ITB fair. This is will be the second time, Maldives and Germany collaborate in issuing Schengen visas for Maldivians travelling to Germany.

The Maldives has signed visa waiver agreements with UAE, Russia and Morocco this year, and now 84 countries grant visa on arrival for Maldivian passport holders.