The European Union has temporarily tightened visa rules for Somali nationals, citing insufficient cooperation from Somalia in accepting the return of citizens who are staying irregularly in the bloc.
The Council of the European Union said on Thursday that the measures were adopted after assessing that Somalia had not made enough progress in facilitating the readmission of its nationals who no longer have legal permission to remain in EU member states.
Under the new restrictions, EU countries will no longer issue multiple-entry visas to Somali citizens and will also stop waiving visa fees for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
The decision affects visa procedures but does not amount to a complete suspension of visas for Somali nationals.
EU officials said the measures are temporary and linked specifically to concerns over cooperation on return and readmission arrangements.
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The EU has increasingly tied migration cooperation with partner countries to their willingness to take back citizens whose asylum claims have been rejected or who are found to be residing illegally within the bloc.
The move comes as European governments continue efforts to manage irregular migration flows and strengthen enforcement of return policies.
Somalia has faced long-running challenges related to displacement, insecurity and economic hardship, factors that have contributed to migration pressures.
The country has also been working with international partners on migration management, security and development programmes aimed at addressing some of the drivers of irregular migration.
The EU’s decision is expected to put additional pressure on Mogadishu to improve cooperation on identifying and receiving Somali nationals subject to return decisions.
Officials said member states would continue monitoring Somalia’s cooperation and could adjust the restrictions depending on future progress.
The European bloc has previously introduced similar visa-related measures against countries where it says cooperation on readmission has been inadequate, using visa policy as a tool to encourage stronger collaboration on migration management.
For Somali travellers, the immediate impact will be greater restrictions on access to longer-term multiple-entry visas and fewer exemptions for certain passport holders.
