29 April 2024 10:20
Today, the Council decided to temporarily suspend certain elements of the EU law that regulates the issuing of visas to Ethiopian nationals. In particular, it will no longer be possible for member states:
- to waive requirements with regard to the evidence to be submitted by Ethiopian visa applicants
- to issue multiple entry visas
- to waive the visa fee for holders of diplomatic and service passports
Furthermore, the standard visa-processing period now becomes 45 calendar days instead of 15.
This decision follows an assessment by the Commission, which concludes that cooperation by Ethiopia in the field of readmission of its nationals illegally staying in the EU is insufficient. There is a lack of response from the Ethiopian authorities with regard to readmission requests and difficulties persist with the issuance of emergency travel documents and with the organisation of both voluntary and non-voluntary return operations.
The suspension decision is temporary but does not come with a specific end date. The Commission will continue to assess any progress made on readmission cooperation.
Background
Based on the EU visa code, the Commission regularly assesses the cooperation of third countries on readmission. These assessments may lead to the conclusion that a given third country does not cooperate sufficiently. In such cases, the EU may decide to suspend the application of certain provisions of the visa code.
As regards Ethiopia, the Commission observed in particular a low return rate. Also, the number of travel documents issued by Ethiopia in response to member states’ readmission requests is low, which indicates a low level of cooperation.
EU visa policy (background information)
Source – EU Council: Visit the meeting page