EU toughens visa requirements for Ethiopians

BRUSSELS – The European Union announced on Monday that it is enhancing visa requirements for individuals from Ethiopia, citing the government’s alleged failure to cooperate in repatriating citizens residing illegally within the 27-nation bloc.

In this regard, as per EU headquarters, the processing time for visas for Ethiopian nationals will now increase from 15 to 45 days – a step visibly appearing as a strong punishment.

Moreover, as part of the changes, EU member states will no longer have the authority to waive certain paperwork requirements or issue multiple-entry visas to Ethiopians. Additionally, Ethiopian diplomats and officials will now be responsible for covering the costs of travel visas.

Furthermore, the European Commission and the EU’s executive arm have also pledged to utilize visa regulations as a means of exerting pressure on countries to participate in deportation procedures. At present, one in three individuals ordered to leave the EU comply with the directives, prompting the authorities to better curb the entry.

The decision comes as the Commission cited deficiencies in “the organization of both voluntary and non-voluntary return operations,” which refers to deportation, as the reasons behind this action.

In this regard, it is interesting to note that many individuals staying illegally in the EU enter without violating any rules, often arriving via airports or ports while overstaying their visas. This group surpasses those who arrive on unsafe boats or travel overland seeking refuge, employment, or better opportunities in Europe.

Ethiopia is currently handling a humanitarian crisis, particularly evident in the two-year conflict in the northern Tigray region, which concluded with a peace agreement in November 2022. As a result, a significant portion of the region’s 6 million inhabitants rely on international assistance.

Ethiopia serves as both a primary origin and transit point for migrants and refugees in the Horn of Africa, frequently acting as a hub for individuals from Eritrea and Somalia who aspire to reach Europe or other northern African regions.