EU Suspends Multiple-Entry Visas for Somali Nationals in Push for Better Readmission Cooperation – "Temporary Measure with Long-Term Consequences"

EU suspends multiple-entry visas for Somali nationals.

Brussels, 28 June 2026 — The European Union has taken a firm stance on migration management by temporarily restricting visa provisions for Somali nationals, citing insufficient cooperation from Somalia on readmitting its citizens who stay irregularly in Europe.

The decision, approved by the Council following a Commission assessment, marks another chapter in the EU’s efforts to use visa policy as leverage to improve return and readmission rates with third countries.

What the New Restrictions Mean for Somali Nationals

Effective immediately, member states will no longer be able to:

• Issue multiple-entry visas to Somali nationals

• Eliminate the standard evidence requirements for visa applicants from Somalia.

• Waive the visa fee for holders of diplomatic and service passports

Additionally, the standard processing time for all Somali visa applications has been extended from 15 calendar days to 45 calendar days.

The measures are described as temporary, but no specific end date has been set. The EU’s goal is to encourage Somalia to strengthen cooperation on readmission procedures.

Background: EU Visa Suspension Mechanism

Under EU visa rules, the Commission regularly evaluates how non-EU countries cooperate on readmitting their nationals. When cooperation is deemed insufficient, the EU can suspend certain provisions of the short-stay visa rules as a form of pressure.

This is not the first time the EU has used this tool, but the decision on Somalia highlights the growing importance of readmission partnerships in the bloc’s migration strategy.

Related Reading: For more on how the EU is using visa policy to manage migration from African countries, see our article on Africa to Europe Work Visa: Easiest Countries to Move in 2026

Reactions and Concerns

Migration experts and humanitarian organisations have expressed concern that the restrictions could further limit legal pathways for Somalis fleeing conflict, drought, and instability, potentially pushing more people toward irregular routes.

EU officials, however, insist the move is proportionate and reversible, depending on Somalia’s progress on readmission cooperation.

The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and reassess the restrictions based on any improvements made by Somali authorities.

Related Reading: Similar measures have been discussed in the context of Ghana Visa-Free for All Africans 2026 and broader African mobility initiatives

For the latest EU visa policy updates, readmission agreements, and migration news affecting African nationals, visit: visasupdate.com/news