EU Imposes New Visa Restrictions on Somali Citizens Over Migration Returns
The European Union has introduced new visa restrictions for Somali citizens, including longer processing times and the suspension of multiple-entry visas, citing Somalia’s insufficient cooperation on migrant readmission and returns.
BRUSSELS (Somali Report) — The European Union has officially imposed new visa restrictions on Somali citizens, citing what it describes as Somalia’s insufficient cooperation in accepting the return of its nationals who are staying illegally in EU member states.
The decision was approved by the Council of the European Union on June 25 following an assessment by the European Commission, which concluded that Somalia’s cooperation on migrant readmission remains inadequate.
Under the new measures, Somali citizens will no longer be eligible for multiple-entry Schengen visas, which allow travelers to enter and leave the Schengen Area several times during the validity period of a visa. In addition, the standard processing period for visa applications has been increased from 15 calendar days to 45 days.
The EU has also suspended simplified procedures regarding supporting documents required for visa applications and reinstated visa fees for holders of Somali diplomatic and service passports.
According to the Council, the objective of the restrictions is to encourage Somalia to improve cooperation on readmission and return procedures. While the measures are temporary, no specific end date has been set. EU officials said the restrictions could be lifted if Somalia demonstrates significant progress in cooperating on the return of its citizens.
“Countries of origin must fulfill their obligations — otherwise, there can be consequences,” EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said after the decision. He added that the measures are intended to strengthen cooperation on migration management and readmission.
The move comes amid broader European efforts to tighten migration controls and increase the return of migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected. EU member states are currently implementing major reforms under the bloc’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, which aims to strengthen border management, accelerate asylum procedures, and improve deportation systems.
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The restrictions follow months of discussion between Brussels and Mogadishu. Earlier this month, EU ministers raised concerns over rising numbers of Somali nationals arriving irregularly in Europe and Somalia’s cooperation on accepting returnees.
The decision is likely to affect thousands of Somalis seeking to travel to Europe for education, employment, business, medical treatment, tourism, and family visits. Longer processing times and tighter documentation requirements could increase costs and delays for applicants.
The measures also come despite ongoing dialogue between Somalia and the EU. During a visit to Germany in 2024, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized that Somalia supported voluntary returns but opposed forced deportations. He stated that Somalia’s doors remained open to citizens who had exhausted their legal asylum options and wished to return home voluntarily.
Somalia has repeatedly argued that the country continues to face significant security, economic, and humanitarian challenges, while European governments have pressed for stronger cooperation on migration returns.
For now, Somali travelers face a more difficult path to obtaining European visas, while both Somalia and the EU continue negotiations over migration cooperation, readmission, and broader bilateral relations.
About the Author
Mohamed Farah is a senior editor at Somali Report, based in London, covering geopolitics, trade, business, and security across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.