EU limits Ethiopian citizens’ access to visas

BRUSSELS: Due to Ethiopia’s government’s lack of cooperation in repatriating individuals who remain illegally, the European Union has decided to limit its visa arrangements for Ethiopian citizens, the EU Council said on Monday.

The action is being taken as European governments attempt to address the issue of migrants fleeing war-torn African nations who want to reach Europe via dangerous, sometimes arranged by criminal groups, Mediterranean Sea crossings.

“This decision follows an assessment by the Commission, which concludes that cooperation by Ethiopia in the field of readmission of its nationals illegally staying in the EU is insufficient,” the Council of the EU said.

Legislators in Europe adopted an updated immigration system earlier this month. This would lessen the number of migrants entering without formal documentation, according to the pro-EU political center, which is trying to halt the extreme right’s advances ahead of the bloc’s legislative election in June.