Mogadishu, Somalia (Running Africa) — The European Union has introduced new visa restrictions for Somali nationals, citing what it says is Somalia’s insufficient cooperation in accepting the return of citizens ordered to leave EU member states.

The measures, approved by EU member states, tighten access to Schengen visas by ending the issuance of multiple-entry visas for Somali applicants, extending visa processing times to up to 45 days, and removing fee waivers and simplified application procedures previously available to holders of Somali diplomatic passports.

According to Brussels, the decision follows what it describes as limited progress by the Somali government in readmitting nationals who have exhausted their legal right to remain in Europe.

The restrictions are part of the European Union’s broader migration policy, which links visa facilitation with cooperation on the return and readmission of irregular migrants.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud rejected the EU’s claims, insisting that his government has never refused to receive verified Somali citizens. He maintained that Somalia remains committed to fulfilling its international obligations while ensuring that repatriations are conducted through proper legal and identification procedures.

The latest move adds pressure to relations between Somalia and the European Union, which remains one of the country’s largest development and security partners, even as both sides continue to cooperate on counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and state-building efforts.