Belgium Opens Dedicated Visa Centre in Rabat Exclusively for Students

Belgium has launched a new visa processing centre in Rabat, exclusively reserved for Moroccan students applying for study visas. The move is intended to simplify the application process and strengthen academic cooperation between Belgium and Morocco.

Joris Salden, Director General for Consular Affairs at Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the new centre aligns with the country’s strategy to bring consular services closer to the people. “We are pleased to welcome these students as part of high-quality academic programs in Belgium, which also reinforce the historic ties between our two countries,” Salden noted.

Previously, Moroccan students had to complete a study questionnaire at the Belgian Embassy in Rabat and then travel to Casablanca to submit their visa applications. Now, the entire process can be carried out in Rabat—questionnaires at the embassy and visa submissions at the new centre—eliminating the need for multiple trips.

“This single procedure marks a major simplification,” Salden said, highlighting that digitalisation will also allow for faster processing of applications.

Belgian Ambassador to Morocco, Gilles Heyvaert, added that the initiative aims to provide Moroccan applicants with high-quality service and timely decisions. He also stressed the importance of Belgium–Morocco relations, calling the countries "strategic partners."

According to data from Moving2Europe.eu, Belgium received 16,925 Schengen visa applications from Moroccan nationals in 2024. Of these, 10,404 visas were approved, while 6,249 applications were rejected.