The European Union (EU) has warned several countries, including Pakistan, that visa restrictions will be imposed on all countries if their illegal immigrants are not called back. According to European media reports, Sweden’s Minister of Migration said that EU interior ministers have agreed not to call back their illegal immigrants.
Restrictions on European visas will be imposed on countries. European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen has sent a letter to the leaders of EU member states, mentioning illegal immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria and many other countries. The letter was sent ahead of the Eu summit on February 9 and 10 to discuss the issue of illegal immigration.
EU member states could sign a pilot scheme in the first half of this year to speed up screening and asylum procedures for eligible migrants and ensure the immediate return of those who are not eligible. She added that she wants the EU to prepare a list of safe countries in the region and tighten border surveillance on routes to the Mediterranean and western Balkans that migrants use to travel to Europe.
The EU plans to sign migrant agreements with countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Nigeria to improve the repatriation process. Eu Internal Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said there was a lot of pressure on many European countries because of the nearly one million asylum applications received last year.