Visas: detection of false or falsified documents in the diplomatic representations abroad or offices

The Parliament adopted the Draft Joint Action regarding the detection of forged visas subject to some amendments. The Rapporteur was Mr. Klaus-Heiner LEHNE (EPP, D). The amendments covered the following : - the provision of training for staff and of state of the art equipment for the detection of forged documents; - Member States to make an inventory of their visa-issuing authorities to gain an overview of the potential risk of false and falsified visas in the relevant visa departments. - criminal proceedings envisaged for anyone involved in the falsification and/or counterfeiting of passports to which visas are to be affixed. - the Commission shall forward its report on the future of the collection, transfer and processing of data within the framework of Title IIIA of the Treaty of Amsterdam to the Council and the European Parliament. - three months at the latest after the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam or at least six months before the Joint Action expires, whichever shall be the earlier, the Commission shall submit a proposal for an action to replace this joint action. �