29/04/24 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 29 April, the EU Council decided to temporarily restrict the provision of visas to Ethiopian nationals. Member States will no longer be able to: - waive the requirements for proof to be provided by Ethiopian visa applicants; - issue multiple-entry visas; - exempt holders of diplomatic and service passports from payment of the visa fee. The normal processing time for applications has been extended from 15 to 45 days. The Commission made this proposal in September, in the context of the new visa regulation (see EUROPE 13260/3), judging that Ethiopia’s cooperation with regard to readmission of its nationals residing illegally in the EU was insufficient, with difficulties over the issue of emergency travel documents and return operations. The duration of the suspension is not defined. (SP)