New Delhi: Italy will reduce the processing time of Schengen visa – which enables travel to Europe - for Indian citizens, said the Italian ambassador to India, Vincenzo De Luca, recently. “Italy is keen to cut the waiting period for visas by Indians,” he added.
“Currently, the processing time for business and tourist visas is 48 hours,” said the Italian emissary.
Referring to the efforts in reducing the delay, De Luca said that during the first seven months of 2023, Italy had issued 38 per cent more visas to Indians than last year.
In another significant announcement, the ambassador said that Italy would increase the number of work permits for Indian professionals. “In 2022, this number was raised to 15,000 and this year, the figure will be increased further,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Italy has issued 5,000 student visas to Indians so far this year.
India and Italy are also engaged in discussions to sign a mobility agreement, which would create more opportunities for health professionals such as doctors and nurses, said the ambassador.
