European Union Visa Suspension Mechanism Update

Key Point 

• The EU has reformed its visa suspension mechanism to allow faster, more flexible responses to security and migration risks 

EU Visa Suspension Mechanism 

The European Parliament has approved reforms to make the EU’s visa suspension mechanism more flexible and responsive to security and human rights concerns. The updated rules allow the European Commission to temporarily or permanently suspend visa-free travel for nationals of countries that pose risks, such as rising crime rates, high numbers of overstays or low asylum recognition rates. 

New grounds for suspension include hybrid threats (like state-sponsored migration), investor citizenship schemes (“golden passports”), violations of international law or human rights and lack of alignment with EU visa policy. The reforms also enable targeted suspensions for government officials responsible for such violations. 

The thresholds for triggering action have been clarified: a 30% increase in overstays or serious crimes and a 20% asylum rejection rate. The legislation still requires formal adoption by the Council and will take effect 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal.  

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