By Uzma Sahar 
The European Union is set to implement stricter visa-free entry rules for certain visa-exempt third countries. This policy change aims to address the challenge of irregular migration to the EU, reflecting a broader effort to enhance border security and control.
Official Announcement
Ylva Johansson, EU Home Affairs Commissioner, revealed the forthcoming changes to the visa regime, according to Schengen.News. She indicated that the formal proposal would be made in July 2024. This proposal will invoke Article 25a of the Visa Code, enabling the EU to suspend visa privileges for countries that do not cooperate in the readmission of their citizens.
Detailed Proposals and Letters
In letters obtained by Euractiv, Commissioner Johansson detailed the EU Commission’s intention to propose tighter visa rules. These proposals, scheduled for July, will focus on countries that fail to readmit their citizens whose asylum applications have been rejected by the EU. The aim is to suspend visa-free entry privileges without additional warnings, thus reducing the number of unfounded asylum applications from visa-exempt countries.
The Commission’s proposals are expected to prompt immediate negotiations among EU member states to revise the visa suspension mechanisms. Johansson emphasized the importance of these discussions to ensure the new rules can be swiftly implemented.
Combating Irregular Migration
Commissioner Johansson explained that the tightening of visa rules is a critical measure to curb irregular migration. The revised visa suspension mechanism will reduce the number of rejected asylum applications and strengthen the EU’s ability to manage its borders. The new rules aim to simplify the suspension process, making it more effective and easier to apply.
Legislative Approval
The reform of the visa suspension mechanism has been under consideration for some time. However, any changes to Article 25a of the Visa Code must be formally approved by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This legislative process involves detailed scrutiny and negotiations to ensure that the revised rules are both effective and enforceable.
The Vanuatu Example
The case of Vanuatu illustrates the EU’s approach to enforcing stricter visa rules. The EU recently proposed a permanent suspension of visa-free travel for Vanuatu due to the country’s failure to address irregular migration and security risks linked to its investor citizenship schemes. This follows a temporary suspension in May 2022, which proved insufficient. The permanent suspension proposal, made in May of this year, highlights the EU’s commitment to maintaining strict migration and security standards.
Broader Implications
These developments represent a significant shift in the EU’s migration policy. By tightening visa rules for non-cooperative countries, the EU aims to enhance its border security and reduce irregular migration. The proposed changes are designed to streamline the visa suspension process, making it more straightforward and effective as a deterrent.
The EU’s move to tighten visa-free entry rules is a strategic effort to manage migration more effectively. The proposed changes reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that countries benefiting from visa-free travel adhere to EU standards on migration and security. By enforcing stricter rules, the EU aims to protect its borders and maintain the integrity of its asylum system.