India, May 22 -- Germany is ending its informal visa appeal system worldwide, a major change in rules that will affect anyone applying for a Schengen visa through German missions. While this decision aims to streamline the visa process and reduce waiting times, it also removes an important option for applicants whose visas have been rejected to appeal the decision.

Starting July 1, 2025, German missions, including those in India, will no longer offer the "remonstration procedure" for visa rejections. This informal appeal system previously allowed individuals, including students, skilled professionals, and tourists, to contest a visa refusal without incurring additional costs or needing legal assistance, often turning rejections into app...