The European Union is taking decisive action to tighten visa-free entry rules for specific visa-exempt third countries. This move aims to curb the rising trend of irregular migration into the EU, marking a significant policy shift within the bloc.

Announcement by EU Home Affairs Commissioner

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson recently announced the impending changes to the visa regime, as reported by Schengen.News. She emphasized that the formal proposal for these changes is expected in July 2024, highlighting the EU’s commitment to addressing the issue head-on. Johansson noted that the proposal would invoke Article 25a of the Visa Code, allowing the suspension of visa privileges for countries that do not cooperate in the readmission of their citizens.

Letters and Proposals

In letters seen by Euractiv, Commissioner Johansson outlined the Commission’s plan to propose tighter rules. The upcoming proposals aim to suspend visa-free entry privileges for countries that fail to readmit their citizens whose asylum applications have been rejected by the EU. This measure is designed to be a strong deterrent, reducing the number of unfounded asylum applications from visa-exempt countries.

The Commission’s proposals, expected in July, will trigger discussions among EU member states and authorities, urging them to revise the visa suspension mechanisms swiftly. Johansson stressed the urgency of these negotiations to ensure the new rules can be implemented without delay.

Addressing Irregular Migration

Commissioner Johansson highlighted that the tightening of visa rules is crucial for reducing irregular migration and the influx of rejected asylum applications from nationals of visa-free countries. The revision aims to make the visa suspension mechanism more straightforward and effective, enhancing its deterrent effect against irregular migration.

Legislative Process and Approval

The reform of the visa suspension mechanism has been a topic of discussion for some time. However, any changes to Article 25a of the Visa Code require formal approval from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The process involves rigorous negotiations and legislative scrutiny to ensure that the revised rules are robust and enforceable.

Case Study: Vanuatu

A recent example underscores the EU’s resolve in this matter. The EU has proposed to permanently suspend visa-free travel for Vanuatu, a decision driven by the country’s failure to address irregular migration and security risks associated with its investor citizenship schemes. This proposal follows a temporary suspension in May 2022, which proved ineffective. The permanent suspension proposal, made in May of this year, reflects the EU’s stringent stance on countries that do not align with its migration and security policies.

Impact on Migration Policy

These developments mark a significant step in the EU’s migration policy, reflecting a shift towards stricter control measures to combat irregular migration. By tightening visa rules for non-cooperative countries, the EU aims to safeguard its borders and maintain the integrity of its asylum system. The proposed changes are expected to streamline the visa suspension process, making it easier to apply and more effective as a deterrent against irregular migration.

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