Consulate General in Shanghai co-organise visa seminar

In attempt to strengthen co-operation in visa application processes the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Royal Danish Consulate General in Shanghai hosted a Visa Training Seminar for group travelling the February 26th in Shanghai. The event was held on behalf of the Schengen countries.

Around 90 participants attended the training session, which was aimed at introducing the visa application practices, rules and regulations to Chinese travel agencies. Some of the guests participating in the event were Mr. Yang Fan from The Shanghai Tourism Board and Ms. Caroline Henderson from the Delegation of the European Union in Beijing.

Deputy Consul of the Royal Danish Consulate General in Shanghai, Mr. Mogens Pedersen was highly satisfied with the event and is certain that this will lead to more events in the future.

“For me and my colleagues in the visa section of the Danish Consulate it is very important to present Europe and in particular Denmark as an attractive destination. A more efficient visa process is a step in that direction. This helps not only the Chinese citizens who want to visit the Schengen Countries, but it also gives way to more tourism, which for the Schengen Countries is very important,” says Deputy Consul Pedersen.

Mr Pär Liljert, Head of Liaison Office at the International Organization for Migration gave the opening speech of the event. “It is very important for both the Chinese authorities working on facilitating for their citizens to travel abroad as tourists and for the Consulates to meet and discuss the visa application practices, which have to follow certain systems. This will hopefully lead to common solutions for visa issues and strengthen the co-operation between the Chinese authorities and the Schengen Countries” says Mr Liljert.

The seminar concluded with a joint Q&A session conducted by a panel consisting of the Spanish, French, Swiss and Danish consulates. This provided the opportunity for the Chinese travel agencies to clear up any uncertainties in connection with the visa application processes.