Brussels: The European Union is stepping up pressure on Somalia. Following a proposal by EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, Member States have agreed to suspend a number of visa facilitation measures for Somali nationals. The move comes after the European Union concluded that Somalia is not cooperating sufficiently in the readmission of its citizens who are staying illegally in the EU.
According to Cyprus News Agency, under the new measures, Somali nationals will no longer be eligible for multiple-entry visas, exemptions from standard documentary requirements will be withdrawn, holders of diplomatic and service passports will no longer benefit from visa fee waivers, and the processing time for visa applications will be extended from 15 to 45 calendar days.
The decision is intended to increase pressure on Somalia to improve cooperation on the return and readmission of its nationals. The restrictions will remain in place for an indefinite period, with the European Commission set to monitor Somalia's progress and reassess the measures if sufficient improvements are made.
Somalia is not the first country to face such action. The EU has previously adopted similar visa restrictions against Gambia and Ethiopia in an effort to encourage greater cooperation on migration and returns. The move marks another step in the EU's efforts to link visa policy more closely to cooperation on migration management and readmission.