The European Union has introduced temporary restrictions on Schengen visa applications for Somali citizens, citing what it described as insufficient cooperation by Somalia in accepting the return of nationals ordered to leave EU member states.
In a statement, the Council of the European Union said Somalia had not adequately cooperated on readmission procedures for Somali citizens staying illegally within the bloc.
Under the new measures, Somali nationals will no longer be eligible for multiple-entry Schengen visas, which allow travellers to enter the Schengen area several times during a visa’s validity period.
The EU has also extended the standard processing time for Somali visa applications from 15 days to 45 days, a move expected to affect those travelling for work, study, tourism and family visits.
Additional restrictions include the suspension of simplified requirements for supporting documents submitted with visa applications and the reinstatement of visa fees for holders of Somali diplomatic and service passports.
EU officials said the measures are temporary and could be reversed if Somalia demonstrates significant progress in cooperating with the readmission and return of its citizens.
The decision follows an assessment by EU authorities of Somalia’s compliance with readmission arrangements. Such agreements require partner countries to identify, accept and facilitate the return of irregular migrants, including their own nationals and, in some cases, third-country nationals who transited through their territory.
The move comes as several European governments continue to increase pressure on countries of origin to strengthen cooperation on migration returns and deportation processes.
Migration cooperation between Somalia and European countries has remained a sensitive issue in recent years. In 2024, Somalia urged Germany not to proceed with forced deportations of Somali nationals.
During a visit to Berlin, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, with migration cooperation and return procedures among the issues discussed.
