[laserlight]

> work visa

I would guess that 90% of the applications were for travel, not work.

> their issuance are up to the hosting country’s policies

These countries don't even bother to apply their policies. Some cases I heard about indicate that they randomly reject applications, without reviewing them.

[Jolter]

Ah, you’re right. The linked article doesn’t say, but apparently a Schengen Visa is “for short-term purposes, such as tourism or business trips. Work permits are apparently not counted in these numbers, then.

As to whether they are conforming tot heir own policies or not, I can’t find any evidence either way in the linked article. They’re just stating the numbers.