Somalia Says EU Visa Restrictions Unrelated to eVisa System

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, has dismissed claims linking recent European Union visa restrictions on Somali nationals to the country’s newly introduced electronic visa (eVisa) system, saying the measures are instead tied to migration and migrant return cooperation.

Responding to criticism from opposition politicians and other commentators, Balcad said the visa restrictions imposed by several European Union member states have “no connection whatsoever” to Somalia’s eVisa platform and should not be interpreted as a reflection of the Federal Government’s administrative performance.

“The explanation provided by the European Union clearly shows that the decision relates to migration issues and the return of migrants who are residing illegally in European countries,” the minister said.

According to Balcad, the EU’s action is intended to encourage stronger cooperation on the repatriation of irregular migrants rather than to question Somalia’s immigration management systems.

He also noted that Somalia is not the first country to face such measures, pointing out that the EU has previously applied similar visa restrictions to other countries over migration-related concerns.

Defending the government’s eVisa initiative, Balcad said the system was introduced to modernize and streamline entry procedures while enhancing border security.

“The eVisa system was designed to improve efficiency, simplify travel procedures and strengthen security. It was never intended to isolate Somalia or create barriers,” he said.

The minister urged political leaders and the public not to politicize the issue, calling instead for national discussions to focus on strengthening state institutions, improving governance systems and deepening Somalia’s relations with international partners.

He also cautioned against exaggerating existing challenges or using them for political gain.

The remarks come after the European Union recently announced restrictions affecting the issuance of visas to Somali nationals, citing concerns over cooperation in the readmission of Somali citizens who have been ordered to leave EU member states after exhausting their legal right to remain.

The restrictions have sparked debate in Somalia, with some political figures arguing that the move reflected shortcomings in the government’s foreign policy and immigration management. However, the Federal Government maintains that the measures are part of the EU’s broader migration policy and should not be conflated with Somalia’s domestic reforms, including the rollout of its electronic visa system.