by Linda Straker
- Countries with CBI programmes that enjoy Schengen Area visa-free entry for short stays may soon have that situation revoked
- New rules will make it easier for the EU to revoke visa-free access
- Legislation will enter into force 20 days after publication in EU Official Journal
Grenadians and nationals of several Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, especially those with Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes that enjoy visa-free entry into the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days, may soon have that situation revoked.
The European Parliament passed new rules that make it easier for the European Union (EU) to revoke visa-free access for countries whose citizens pose security threats or fail to respect human rights. In a vote on 7 October, Members of the European Parliament approved a reform of the EU visa suspension mechanism concerning 61 countries whose nationals can currently travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days.
The legislation, already agreed informally by European Parliament and Council of the EU negotiators, was approved in plenary by 518 in favour and 96 against, with 24 abstaining. It still needs to be formally adopted by the Council of the EU. It will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal. The mechanism allows the European Commission to reintroduce visa requirements for a specific country when there are security concerns — first temporarily, pending an investigation and dialogue, and then permanently, if the issues persist.
The grounds include internal security threats (including a rise in serious crimes committed by nationals from the country concerned), and substantial increases in unsuccessful asylum applications, entry refusals or numbers of people overstaying their visas.
The reform adds new grounds for triggering a suspension, namely: hybrid threats (such as state-sponsored instrumentalisation of migrants); investor citizenship schemes (or “golden passports”) raising security concerns; a lack of alignment with EU visa policy; violations of the United Nations Charter, international human rights or humanitarian law; and failure to comply with international court decisions. The additions align the grounds for suspension with the grounds for granting the visa waiver in the first place, and aim to create a deterrent effect. Existing grounds, including security concerns and a lack of cooperation on readmissions, will be maintained.
To deter third-country governments from violating the terms of their short-stay visa waiver agreements, the law will give the EU more flexibility to suspend visa freedom for government officials who may bear responsibility for a government’s human rights breaches or other violations.
The legislation, negotiated between Parliament and Council representatives, passed with 518 votes in favour, 96 against, and 24 abstentions. It still requires formal adoption by the Council and will come into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal.
