Brussels, 09/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - The committee on civil liberties at the European Parliament has given its go-ahead to two agreements between the EU and Cape Verde, one on facilitating short-stay visa issuance and the other on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation. These are the first agreements of this kind to be sealed between an ACP country and the EU.
The agreement on visa facilitation is expected to make it easier and less costly for Cape Verde citizens to travel to the EU and for European citizens to go to this African country. On the basis of reciprocity, it will facilitate short-term visas for stays not exceeding 90 days within a period of 180 days. The cost of processing the visas will be abolished for certain categories of persons such as members of official delegations, children under 12 years of age, school children, students, researchers, participants aged 25 or under taking part in seminars, conferences or sporting events.
Under the agreement, however, a service charge will be levied. This will not exceed €30 on all other kinds of visa applicants, except for those holding diplomatic and service passports, which are exempted from visa obligations. Both agreements will enter into effect simultaneously by end 2013. (SP/transl.jl)