Tuesday July 23, 2024
FILE - Various types of Somali passports, including diplomatic (red), service (maroon), and regular (blue) passports. The EU has proposed new visa restrictions for Somali nationals.
Mogadishu (HOL) — The European Union Commission has proposed new visa restrictions for Somalia, with the goal of increasing cooperation in the readmission of Somali nationals who entered and remained in the EU without proper documentation.
The proposal, pending approval by the EU Council, seeks to issue only single-entry visas to Somali nationals, increase visa fees, and extend application processing times from 15 to 45 days. Additionally, the EU may suspend certain regulations requiring the submission of supporting documents for visa applications.
"Despite the steps taken so far by the EU and its Member States to improve readmission cooperation and taking into account the EU's overall relations with Somalia, it is considered that Somalia's cooperation with the EU on readmission is not sufficient and that action is needed," stated the EU Commission.
The initiative is part of the EU's strategy to ensure cooperation on readmission and manage irregular migration within its borders. Similar measures have been implemented against other countries, including Ethiopia and The Gambia. In April, the EU stopped issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to Ethiopians and increased visa fees for Gambian nationals, although the fee increase was later revoked in April 2024. Nonetheless, other measures against The Gambia remain in effect.
The Commission's official statement noted that the proposal to the EU Council would be made soon, allowing member states to decide on the next steps.