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EU to Tighten Visa-Free Entry Rules to Curb Irregular Migration
The European Union (EU) is set to strengthen its visa-free entry rules for certain countries that do not cooperate in the readmission of their citizens, in an effort to reduce irregular migration to the bloc.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced the move, which is expected to be formally proposed in July 2024.
According to Commissioner Johansson, the revised rules will allow for the suspension of visa privileges for countries that fail to cooperate in the readmission of their citizens whose asylum applications have been rejected by the EU.
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This move aims to reduce irregular migration and the number of unfounded asylum applications from visa-exempt countries.
The proposal comes after the EU recently suspended visa-free travel for Vanuatu due to the country’s failure to address irregular migration and security risks associated with its investor citizenship schemes.
The reform of the visa suspension mechanism has been under discussion for some time and requires formal approval from MEPs before it can be implemented.
Once approved, the new rules will make it easier to apply the mechanism and strengthen its deterrent effect.
This move is part of the EU’s efforts to strengthen its migration policies and ensure a more effective and efficient approach to managing migration flows.
