A recent warning of the French President Emanuel Macron that the external borders of the Schengen area and the associated member states may remain closed until September has extinguished the hopes of those intending to apply for a Schengen visa throughout this period. 

According to the Schengen visa information website, if the European Commission, which has already called for the prolongation of the border closure until mid-May, decides to extend external borders until September, this means non-EEA nationals and residence permit holders will not be able to travel to these countries. It is a sure thing that once the risks from the pandemic are reduced, and the Schengen area starts going back to normality, the member states will start asking for additional documents regarding the applicant’s health conditions.

If the above comes in effect, a large number of students scheduled to study in the European institutes and employees trying to get work permit will get affected from India. Those who live in Schengen countries with a residence permit will also face trouble as many would be required to submit India-specific documents that they will not be able to produce due to technical and administrative reasons.