In a bid to combat visa fraud, German police have proposed a new measure that would involve intensive social media investigations of Schengen visa applicants.

According to a document obtained by Statewatch, authorities aim to assess the risk of visa fraud by analyzing publicly available information on applicants’ social media profiles. This includes gathering data such as groups they belong to, places visited, and job profiles.

Risk Profiles to Be Developed Based on Public Information

The German police suggest using open-source information, such as social media platforms, to create “risk profiles” for applicants. These profiles would compile information based on several criteria, including:

• Gender and age
• Country of origin
• Purpose and destination of travel
• Employment and income details
• Travel itinerary and visa issuing authority

This approach aims to identify potential risks, especially in cases with a high likelihood of illegal migration.

Social Media as a Tool for Verifying Applicant Information

Authorities believe that publicly available social media data can provide valuable insights into an applicant’s background. By reviewing profiles, posts, and affiliations, visa officers can verify the accuracy of the information provided by applicants.

For instance, job profiles on social media can offer clues about an applicant’s profession and income, supporting the accuracy of their visa application.

Open-Source Research to Combat Fraud

Given the large number of Schengen visa applications and the growing issue of fraudulent submissions, the use of social media research could help streamline the visa approval process.

A German police spokesperson emphasized that this method would allow authorities to verify information that is already accessible to the public.

Additionally, it could help officials craft specific questions for applicants, ensuring more accurate assessments without relying on subjective judgment.

No Social Media Fields in Current Visa Applications

Although current Schengen visa application forms do not ask for social media details, German authorities noted that the data is often accessible and can be reviewed when necessary. The proposed changes align with existing border control regulations, ensuring the legality of such investigations.

Conclusion

Enhancing Visa Security with Digital Investigations: As visa fraud becomes a growing concern, Germany’s recommendation to incorporate social media checks into Schengen visa applications reflects the evolving nature of border control measures.

By utilizing public data and risk profiling, authorities aim to improve the accuracy and security of the visa process for all applicants.