In a statement released on Monday, April 29, 2024, the European Union (EU) revealed its decision to limit visas for Ethiopians. The move comes as a response to what the EU perceives as a failure by Ethiopian authorities to assist in the repatriation of citizens residing illegally within the EU.
Ethiopians won’t get visas for multiple entries anymore, and those with diplomatic and service passports won’t have their visa fees waived either. Additionally, the EU stated that obtaining a visa will now take 45 days instead of the previous 15 days.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
As of now, there has been no official response from Ethiopia. The EU’s decision stems from its belief that Ethiopia isn’t doing enough to repatriate its citizens who stay illegally in the EU.
“As regards Ethiopia, the Commission observed in particular a low return rate,” the Council explained. “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.”
While the EU considers these restrictions temporary, they have not specified when they will end.
The EU is facing a significant influx of people entering from other countries, with approximately 380,000 people entering illegally last year, the highest number since 2016.
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