EU tightens visa requirements for Ethiopians amid governmental deportation dispute

Effective immediately, the processing time for visas for Ethiopian nationals will be extended from 15 to 45 days, a threefold increase. Furthermore, EU member states will no longer have the discretion to waive specific paperwork requirements or issue multiple-entry visas. Additionally, Ethiopian diplomats and officials will now be required to pay for their travel visas.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, has made clear its intent to leverage visa regulations as a means of exerting pressure on countries to cooperate in deportation procedures. With only approximately one-third of individuals ordered to leave the EU actually complying with deportation orders, the Commission views such measures as necessary to address the ongoing issue of unauthorized residence within its borders.

The Commission cites the Ethiopian authorities’ lack of response to readmission requests and deficiencies in the organization of both voluntary and non-voluntary return operations as reasons for the action. These shortcomings highlight the challenges in effectively managing deportation processes, which the EU considers essential for maintaining immigration control.

It’s noteworthy that a significant portion of individuals residing illegally in the EU enter legally through airports or ports but overstay their visas, outnumbering those who arrive irregularly via other means. Ethiopia, facing internal conflict and humanitarian crises, serves as both a primary source and transit point for migrants and refugees in the Horn of Africa region. The recent two-year conflict in the Tigray region exacerbated existing challenges, leaving millions reliant on international assistance.

Ethiopia’s strategic location and status as a migration hub further complicate efforts to address irregular migration flows, with many individuals from neighboring countries utilizing it as a launching point for journeys to Europe and other parts of Africa.