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Ethiopia criticises EU visa suspension for its nationals

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as pictured during the Italy-Afria Summit that took place on January 28-29, 2024. (Photo: X/ Abiy Ahmed)

By Foreign Reporter | 01 May 2024

While the council has indicated that these suspensions are temporary, no specific end date has been provided.

Ethiopia has criticised the Council of the European Union's decision to suspend certain visa provisions for Ethiopians, saying the move overlooks their robust cooperation.

Ethiopian officials argue that this cooperation has been instrumental in facilitating the return and reintegration of Ethiopian nationals.

"The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Brussels is dismayed by the decision of the Council of the European Union to temporarily suspend certain elements of the EU law that regulates issuing of visas to Ethiopian nations," read a statement posted on X by the Ethiopian mission in Belgium

"This decision was made at a time when both sides are closely working for the return of Ethiopians who have been denied legal permits to stay in the European Union member states in a dignified, orderly, and safe manner."

The mission called for the council to reconsider its stance. It further stated its intention to recommend measures that align with the decision on admission procedures for Ethiopian nationals returning from EU member states.

"The decision fails to take into consideration the painstaking process that takes place to establish the identities of nationalities," read the statement

The council announced the temporary suspension of certain provisions outlined in Article 25a(5) of the EU's Visa Code.

These provisions govern the issuance of short-stay visas to foreign visitors of EU member states and establish rules for airport transit visas.

Under these restrictions, EU countries will cease issuing multiple entry visas to Ethiopian nationals and will no longer waive document submission requirements, as specified in Article 14(6).

Additionally, Ethiopian holders of diplomatic or service passports will be required to pay visa fees previously waived under Article 16(5), point b.

Further, the standard visa-processing period will be extended from 15 to 45 days.

While the council has indicated that these suspensions are temporary, no specific end date has been provided.