Signing of an agreement between Togo and France to facilitate professional visas

Togo and France have signed a historic agreement to facilitate the issuance of professional visas for Togolese nationals wishing to travel to France and the Schengen area. The signing ceremony took place last week in Lomé, in the presence of the French Ambassador to Togo, Augustin Favereau, as well as representatives of the main Togolese employers' and consular organizations.

The Togolese organizations that signed this agreement include the National Council of Employers of Togo (CNP), the Association of Large Enterprises of Togo (AGET), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Togo (CCIT), the Union of Regional Chambers of Trades of Togo (UCRM), EUROCHAM Togo, and the Togo Committee of Foreign Trade Advisors of France (CCE).

This partnership includes several concrete measures to simplify and accelerate the professional visa application process. Among these measures, the introduction of a "fast lane" for employees of companies referenced by partner organizations will allow for faster processing of visa applications. This means that managers, executives, and employees of Togolese companies will benefit from a significant reduction in the processing times for their visa applications.

In addition, a "direct messaging" channel will be established between the consular section of the French Embassy and each partner organization. This dedicated communication channel will facilitate the rapid resolution of problems encountered during the processing of applications and will allow the provision of additional information, if necessary.

These initiatives aim to reduce administrative barriers to business travel to France, thereby encouraging the mobility of Togolese workers. The goal is to boost trade and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

During the ceremony, the French Ambassador to Togo, Augustin Favereau, emphasized the importance of this agreement. “This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to facilitating professional and commercial relations between our two countries. By simplifying the process of obtaining professional visas, we hope to encourage more economic exchanges and collaborations,” he said.

Representatives of Togolese employers' organizations also expressed their satisfaction with this agreement. "This agreement represents a significant step forward for Togolese businesses. It will make it easier for our managers and employees to travel to France for professional assignments, thus strengthening our economic and commercial ties," said a spokesperson for the National Employers' Council of Togo (CNP).

This agreement is an important step towards greater economic collaboration between Togo and France, opening the way to new opportunities for businesses in both countries and contributing to regional economic growth.

THE EMISSARY