Dear Editor/Rob V.,
On March 22, my girlfriend applied for a Schengen visa to VFS Global for the first time. The reason for the visit was already clearly stated in the sponsorship document, which is why no further letter of invitation was enclosed.
She is a farmer and lives from selling products (mainly fruit) from her land. Hence several "ownership of land" documents, translated, were attached.
VFS even asked to include these documents in the Thai language, so they did. Return flight ticket also submitted for proof.
The rejection was based on reason 2 (reason for visit insufficiently demonstrated) and reason 9 (probability of timely departure insufficiently demonstrated).
The rejection document states that an objection can be submitted to the Netherlands, Embassy with address in Ter Apel. What advice do you have for me? Submit an objection in Ter Apel or just let her go to VFS again to submit a new application, now with the addition of an invitation letter?
Her visit is scheduled from June 20 – September 5, an appointment at the embassy in BKK cannot be made in time, so unfortunately to VFS.
Regards,
Jan
Dear Jan,
That sucks!! I would seriously consider filing an appeal. Preferably with the help of an aliens lawyer, for whom a good notice of objection applied to your situation is not a difficult task. You can also get started yourself if you think you can write a polite, convincing letter in which you can refute the objections of the Dutch authorities. Both lawyers and example objections can be found on the internet via, for example, www.buitenlandsepartner.nl , www.mixed-couples.nl or google on 'Bzwaar refusal Schengen visa' (+city name?).
It is not for nothing that I recommend a good cover letter in the Schengen file. The decision officer must form a picture of the foreign national from the stack of dry papers and forms. Are all the pieces there? Are there any doubts? Does something stand out? With a short letter you can then 'help' the civil servant so that it is at least clear what your plans are. Both with regard to the trip to the Netherlands and an explanation why you don't have to worry that your sweetheart will not return to Thailand in time. But it is quite possible that there was more to it than just an unclear destination. Apparently the property papers (provide Thai original - can't read them - plus translation) were not enough. I suspect they would like to see some more evidence of commitment, such as a job or certain obligations that cannot be avoided. For example, I call the file proof of care for elderly parents or young children. Ask yourself what obligations you can demonstrate, because just your word and some land is not enough. Especially if these obligations (reasons for return) are weak, I would definitely hire a lawyer.
A new application via embassy or VFS is also possible, but then you must certainly provide more supporting documents, if there is hardly anything else about the application, the official at the RSO can immediately reject the application with reference to the previous rejection. I would consider a new application instead of an objection for people who have forgotten a single important piece of evidence and do not feel like/time to object (objection can take longer than a new application).
Finally: the advice of the Netherlands and other member states is never to buy a ticket in advance, because that is a waste of money if the visa is not granted. For the civil servant, a return ticket has no added value over a return flight reservation.
Look up 2-3 lawyers on the internet, see who you feel comfortable with (and not too expensive for your wallet). If the objection procedure does not feel right, then go for a new application, but know that you also have to come from good houses in terms of demonstrating ties with Thailand (reasons for return). Don't give up, it will probably work out, 95% of the Thai get their visa so that holiday will succeed.
Success!
Rob V