ISLAMABAD – Social media users in Pakistan have raised concerns over the availability and transparency of Schengen visa appointments in Pakistan through third-party service providers VFS Global and Gerry’s.
The concerns were raised following a warning issued by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Pakistan about appointment-related scams.
In its alert, the embassy urged applicants seeking short-stay Schengen visas to book appointments exclusively through VFS Global or Gerry’s.
It warned that anyone demanding payment for embassy appointments or offering alternative booking methods was attempting to scam applicants.
The advisory has prompted online users to question the accessibility of official appointment slots and call for greater transparency and oversight of the booking process.
Haseeb Sarwar Khan criticised the existing arrangement, questioning why embassies could not manage their own appointment systems rather than relying on third-party providers.
“VFS appointment slots are almost always unavailable,” he commented, alleging that agents book available slots and later cancel and resell them to other applicants for money.
He also expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of the embassy’s warning, suggesting that awareness campaigns alone would not resolve the issue. His comments reflected his personal views and allegations about the appointment system.
Another social media user claimed that Gerry’s website did not display available appointment slots, highlighting concerns about applicants’ ability to secure bookings through official channels.
A user Naveed Rehman, addressing the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Pakistan, described appointment-related scams as a persistent concern for visa applicants.
He acknowledged the embassy’s efforts to warn the public about fraudulent appointment offers but argued that the underlying problems affecting access to appointments also needed attention.
“Public awareness campaigns alone cannot eliminate this problem unless the systemic issues contributing to it are also addressed,” Rehman wrote.
He called for a review of the existing appointment management system, stronger oversight of third-party service providers and investigations into credible complaints involving alleged appointment manipulation, unauthorised payments and possible collusion.
Rehman also proposed introducing or expanding a secure, embassy-managed digital appointment system, arguing that such an approach could improve transparency and reduce opportunities for fraud.
Referring to Germany’s embassy visa appointment arrangements as an example, he suggested that the Netherlands could consider a similar model adapted to its operational requirements.
He urged the embassy to improve the accessibility and accountability of the booking process and provide an official response outlining measures being considered to address applicants’ concerns.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands embassy’s advisory directs applicants to the official VFS Global/Gerry’s appointment booking channel for short-stay Schengen visas.
The embassy cautioned applicants against individuals offering alternative booking arrangements or demanding money for appointments.