(MENAFN- Bangladesh Monitor) BRUSSELS : The European Union states decided on June 23 to restrict visas for Bangladeshis and nationals of other foreign countries that refuse to take back their nationals who have no right of asylum in Europe.
Some countries, including Bangladesh and Nigeria, are often reluctant to readmit their citizens and the EU has recently doubled down on efforts to expedite such returns.
The EU is cracking down on immigration following a spike in arrivals across the Mediterranean since 2014.
Italy is now the main gateway to the bloc and most of those reaching European shores after boarding smugglers' boats in Africa are considered illegal labor migrants.
During a two-day meeting in Brussels, the bloc's 28 leaders agreed to use "all possible levers, including... reassessing visa policy toward third countries".
"We can use visas to convince them to take returns," said a senior EU diplomat, adding the move would, among other things, target the ruling elites of these countries as they can afford trips to Europe.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU's trade agreements with African countries should also be part of the effort.
MENAFN1405201801630000ID1096856649
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.