The rules governing movement between countries in Europe are about to undergo radical changes. As of 12 October, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced in the Schengen area as part of travel arrangements that will impact non-EU citizens, however, who travel within the Schengen zone. Still, while the international travel norms are unchanged, there are changes in the procedures for those without citizenship of the respective European countries.
Such changes are particularly relevant for the Indian expatriate employees and Indian students, as well as expatriate workers, in Europe. Failing to appreciate these procedures would pose challenges, among other possible issues, when traveling.
What is the Historic Schengen E/E System and How Will it Affect Me?
The Entry/Exit System is a repository that is to be introduced in practice within the Schengen Area. This will eliminate the stamping of passports and instead store the departure and arrival information for non cr EU nationals in a computerized manner.
The European Union introduced the Entry/Exit System to deal with its external border management more efficiently, fight undocumented migration and overstaying more effectively. It also presents some new standards for travelers within the Schengen area.
What are the exceptions, and who will fall under this rule?
The system is applicable in respect of:
- Citizens of the European Union;
- Those citizens who have the right of entry into the European Union;
Changes for Diaspora Residing in Europe
If a person is an Indian national residing in any European country with a work permit or a residence permit, then before migrating from one Schengen state to another, they will have to do the following:
- Within the Schengen space from now on, it will not suffice to carry only a residence permit, but the passport must also be carried for travel between countries.
- The Entry Exit System (EES) will capture your journey even if you do not cross country borders.
- The non-European nationals will cease to enjoy passport-free movement within the region.
Documentation, and not in ordinary quantity, must be carried in case an individual takes a trip between countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, or any other country in the Schengen region.
Effect on Travel within the Schengen Borders
In the past, it was quite possible for the residents to travel around the Schengen zone without the extra checks. With these Schengen visa regimes in place, people from non-EU countries will have to be very conscious. For domestic flights, the passenger will have to present both their passport and residence permit for airport clearance.
This will mean carrying these essentials at all times for some travelers, such as Indian consultants, IT practitioners, business travelers, or those who are fond of seeking themselves from one place to the next.
Implications for Indian Passage and Employment
For Indian immigrant workers in Europe, the Schengen
work visa or residence permits will still be operational, but the limitations are now intense. Even if you were able to leave your passport at home and take a flight within the Schengen area, this is a simple reason that would result in you not being able to board the flight or even leave the country as scheduled.
Similarly, students on scholarships and families on a work visa also face the same difficulties. Everyone is being told to carry all the necessary documents whenever needed.
Guidelines for Travelers
When traveling within the Schengen zone, it is recommended to travel with one’s passport and one’s residence permit.Take into account that the checks initially can be longer, so get to the airport earlier.
Find time to make some extra copies saved in your email, or photocopies of your documents, in case of a situation. Follow any guidance and further notice issued by the host country immigration or the European Commission.
Summary – Entry without entries in awe
Changing immigration rules in different parts of the world, especially those in Europe, requires you to be aware of many things. Another reason foreign professionals, students, and hopeful businesspersons from India turn to Abhinav Immigration Services is because of a profound knowledge of most countries’ immigration changes, given the company’s age and experience.
The member states of the Schengen area allow citizens of third countries to enter this area for a short stay of a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. It will be operated together with and will rely on the information stored in the Entry/Exit System. Providing European migrants a chance of entering their country with the intention of working is evidenced by many countries’ issuing of work visas or work permits and residence permits, such that they are referred to as one yet traits that can be observed.
