500,000 Algerians apply for Shengen visa annually, says French consul

France’s General Consul in Algeria Thursday told Echorouk French authorities examine the possibility of creating a fourth consulate for southern provinces.

The Consul said a study is conducted to open a consulate for French nationals living in ten southern provinces in Algeria. It would also offer services to Algerians living in the same area.

It is likely that the province of El Oued will host the General Consulate’s headquarters.

This comes as the three French consulates in the north of Algeria are under a large pressure due to visa applications which are estimated at around 500,000 per year.

The Consul also talked about Algerian-French cooperation in terms of scientific research and scholarships. Algerian students represent the largest number of people applying for cholarships in France.

He also said he is ready to support Hama Lakhdar University in El Oued for cooperation with any French university.