STORY
The Council of the European Union has agreed restrictions on visa arrangements for Guinea, citing insufficient cooperation over the readmission of people who have no legal right to remain in EU member states. The decision forms part of the EU’s use of visa policy to encourage cooperation on migration returns.
The measures can make parts of the visa process more restrictive, including documentary requirements, processing periods and access to fee waivers. The Council said the approach was designed to create incentives for governments to improve identification and return arrangements.
The use of visa restrictions remains controversial because it can affect ordinary travellers as well as state authorities. The EU said the measures would be reviewed in light of Guinea’s future cooperation and could be changed if sufficient progress was made.