New rules on the modernization of the visa information system in the European Union came into force on Monday. The modernized system will allow for more in-depth verification of the backgrounds of visa and residence permit applicants, as well as a better exchange of information between the EU Member States on the holders of these documents, said a European Commission statement.
Under the new rules all applicants will be automatically checked against other EU internal security and migration information systems. This mandatory cross-check will help detect requesters using multiple identities and identify anyone with security risks, it noted.
In addition, the modernized visa information system will include information on long-stay visas and residence permits for third country nationals. The Visa Information System is an EU database that links border guards at the EU’s external borders with EU Member States’ consulates around the world. The modernized visa information system should be operational and fully interoperable with other information systems in the EU by the end of 2023.
Source- Kuna