The European Union has tightened its visa policy for Guinean nationals, accusing Guinea of failing to cooperate adequately in accepting the return of migrants who have no legal right to remain in EU member states.
According to the European Commission, requests for Guinean authorities to receive returning migrants have often gone unanswered or have not been processed efficiently. The bloc also said it has faced difficulties organizing deportation flights to the West African country.
In response, the EU has introduced temporary visa restrictions designed to encourage greater cooperation on migrant readmissions.
Under the new measures, EU member states will be able to refuse issuing multiple-entry visas to Guinean applicants. Visa applicants will also be required to provide additional supporting documentation, while the standard processing period has been extended from 15 days to 45 calendar days.
The changes are expected to affect both tourists and business travellers, as well as Guineans seeking employment opportunities in Europe. The longer processing times could also impact European employers that increasingly rely on skilled workers from African countries to address labour shortages.
Guinea remains one of the world’s poorest countries, although it is generally regarded as politically stable. Most Guineans who migrate irregularly to Europe are classified as economic migrants, meaning they rarely qualify for international protection or refugee status.
In recent years, Guinea has also emerged as an important departure point on the West African migration route to Spain’s Canary Islands. The Atlantic crossing is considered one of the world’s deadliest migration routes, with many migrants losing their lives while attempting the journey.
European authorities say effective deportations depend on countries of origin cooperating by verifying identities, issuing travel documents and accepting the return of their citizens. Without that cooperation, many migrants remain in legal limbo after receiving deportation orders that cannot be enforced.
The visa restrictions come as the European Union continues to strengthen its migration policy and increase pressure on countries that fail to cooperate on migrant returns.
The bloc has also endorsed proposals allowing member states to establish return hubs outside the EU, where migrants who have exhausted their legal options could be transferred while arrangements are made for their return to their home countries or other third countries willing to receive them.
Supporters argue the centres would improve the efficiency of deportations and encourage voluntary returns. However, human rights organisations have warned that the facilities could operate as detention-like centres and raise concerns about the protection of migrants’ rights.
Although no locations have been officially confirmed, discussions on establishing the first return hub are ongoing, with some European officials expressing confidence that the first facility could become operational next year.