European Union member states have approved fresh visa restrictions on Somali citizens, escalating pressure on Mogadishu over its failure to readmit nationals residing illegally within the bloc.
The decision, adopted on Thursday, comes amid growing concerns over an increase in migration from Somalia and low rates of return for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected by EU countries.
Announcing the measure, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said countries of origin must uphold their obligations regarding the return of their citizens, warning that failure to do so could attract consequences.
Under the new rules, Somali citizens will no longer be eligible for multiple-entry visas, while visa fees for diplomatic passport holders have been reinstated. The EU has also extended visa processing times to 45 days, making travel to the bloc more restrictive.
The sanctions form part of the EU’s broader strategy to compel greater cooperation on migrant readmissions. Similar measures were previously imposed on The Gambia in 2021 and Ethiopia in 2024. However, restrictions on Ethiopia were lifted in May after EU member states acknowledged significant improvements in Addis Ababa’s cooperation on the return of its nationals.
The latest action reflects the European Union’s increasingly tough stance on migration as member countries implement sweeping reforms aimed at tightening border controls and accelerating the deportation of irregular migrants.
In recent weeks, more than half of the EU’s 27 member states backed proposals to establish return hubs outside the bloc for rejected asylum seekers. The initiative, championed by Denmark and Italy, received support from 19 European leaders.
The European Parliament has also moved to strengthen migration enforcement by approving new legislation designed to simplify the deportation of migrants staying in the EU without legal authorization.
