Envoy: Dutch Consulate in Lagos to Offer Schengen Visa Services to Migrant Workers

Funmi Ogundare

Netherlands Deputy Consul General in Lagos, Leonie Van der Stiji, yesterday, announced efforts to introduce Schengen Visa Services, particularly for migrant workers traveling for knowledge exchange.

Van der Stiji, who spoke on ‘The Morning Show’ on ARISE News Channel, revealed that the consulate has started testing fingerprinting machines and was constructing offices for long-stay visa applications.

“We anticipate about 800 to 1,000 applicants each year will come to our Lagos premises for long-stay visas to the Netherlands,” Van der Stiji stated.

She said emphasised that the visa service was part of the streamlined Schengen Visa Services, which applies to all Schengen members, the European Union, and some other countries.

“Although the rules are rigorous, they are fair. Visa processing times are approximately three to four weeks after applying at the TLS Visa Center,” she said, adding that applicants must provide proof that they would not overstay and would return if they have a short-stay visa because the consulate has witnessed rising levels of fraud, including fake invitation letters and other schemes, which have made strict rules necessary.

Van der Stiji, also emphasised cultural exchanges between the Netherlands and Nigeria, noting that a budget of £20,000 had been earmarked annually for such initiatives. She highlighted Nigerian artists’ growing presence in Europe, mentioning Burna Boy’s performance in the Netherlands and the popularity of Nigerian music in the European country.

She commended Lagos’ fashion scene, particularly female entrepreneurs and expressed interest in better connecting cultural ecosystems.

According to her, “the fashion space with artists, painters, and movie makers is thriving. We’re working on those exchanges and looking to the future to connect ecosystems more effectively.”

Van der Stiji, pointed out that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Dutch company, Harvest Waste, and the Lagos State government for a waste-to-energy project.

“This initiative aims to convert waste to power for 40,000 households. I am proud of the Eco Learn project we’re dealing with climate youth in Lagos. It’s the first of its kind, developing a curriculum on climate change awareness in schools with BSS DC and the Lagos Ministry of Environment,” Van der Stiji stressed.