Ambassadors from EU member states have agreed to a draft regulation that would allow the EU to suspend visa-free travel to countries whose citizens are exempt from visa requirements when traveling to the Schengen area.
Key Point:
Under the new mechanism, the EU will have new grounds for suspending the visa-free regime, including: If a country outside the EU has visa rules that are inconsistent with EU visa rules, Many people may come to the country. european union. Where investor citizenship schemes are involved, where citizenship is granted without a genuine connection to a third country in exchange for a prescribed payment or investment. Complex threats or deficiencies in document security laws and procedures. Ambassadors from member states also included a clause that would allow the EU to suspend visa-free travel from a particular country if relations with that country deteriorate, particularly in relation to human rights and fundamental freedoms. Existing grounds for suspending visa-free travel will continue, such as a significant increase in the number of third-country nationals refused entry or found to be in the country illegally, and a significant increase in the number of unsubstantiated asylum seekers. maintained. Applications from third countries with historically low recognition rates.
Background: The draft regulation aims to strengthen the rules on visits to Europe and strengthen the EU’s powers to better deal with situations where visa-free travel is misused or goes against the EU’s interests. The regulation extends the visa waiver suspension period from nine months to 12 months and the extension period from 18 months to 24 months.
The agreement allows the Council to define its position and then enter negotiations with the European Parliament to reach a final agreement.
This alert is provided by BAL Global Practice Group.
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