An IMGW News Report:
In a bid to address irregular migration into the EU, there is a concerted push to tighten visa-free entry regulations for certain third countries currently exempt from visa requirements.
Highlights:
- The European Union is set to overhaul its visa suspension mechanism.
- The forthcoming changes aim to implement stricter controls on visa-free travel for nations that fail to cooperate with the repatriation of their nationals.
- Commissioner Johansson has underscored the need for an expedited revision of the mechanism.
The EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has announced that a formal proposal to amend the visa regime will soon be forthcoming.
According to documents reviewed by Euractiv, Commissioner Johansson stated that in July 2024, the Commission will present a proposal aimed at reinforcing the rules under the clause that allows for the suspension of visa-free privileges for countries not complying with the return of their nationals.
In July, the Commission is expected to propose amendments concerning visa measures under Article 25a of the Visa Code.
The proposed changes would mean that countries failing to assist in the repatriation of their citizens, whose asylum applications have been denied by the EU, will face an automatic suspension of their visa-free entry rights without prior notice.
Although the official proposal is yet to be released, Commissioner Johansson has called for prompt negotiations to revise the visa suspension mechanisms.
“Vanuatu is at risk of having the Schengen visa requirement reintroduced on a permanent basis due to its failure to address issues related to irregular migration and the security risks associated with its Citizenship by Investment programme.”
Stricter Regulations Expected to Curb Irregular Migration, Says Johansson
Commissioner Johansson anticipates that revising the current mechanism will significantly reduce irregular migration into the EU and decrease the number of rejected asylum claims from nationals of visa-exempt countries.
“[The revision of the visa suspension mechanism] will reduce irregular immigration by tackling the huge number of unfounded asylum applications from visa-exempt countries, making the mechanism easier to apply and strengthening its deterrent effect.
– EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson
Discussions on the proposed reform have been underway for some time; however, legal experts argue that any tightening of the rules will require formal approval from MEPs before it can be implemented.
EU Proposes Permanent Visa Requirement for Vanuatu
Vanuatu is at risk of having the Schengen visa requirement reintroduced on a permanent basis due to its failure to address issues related to irregular migration and the security risks associated with its Citizenship by Investment programme.
In May, the EU Commission proposed the permanent suspension of visa-free travel privileges for Vanuatu.
The EU had previously imposed a temporary suspension of visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for Vanuatu passport holders in May 2022. As this measure has not yielded the desired results, a permanent visa requirement is now considered necessary.
