JidbaaleThe Italian government has declared an emergency halt to Schengen visa processing for applications filed via its consulate in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The Italian Embassy in Nairobi announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that it has immediately suspended the issuance of entry Schengen visas for all applications processed by the Embassy of Italy in Mogadishu. For further information, please reach out to the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi.
No official rationale was given for the suspension; nonetheless, it follows the European Union Commission’s proposal for further visa restrictions on Somalia in July 2024. The EU’s plan seeks to enhance collaboration with Somalia over the readmission of Somali citizens who have either overstayed or entered the EU without appropriate papers.
The plan, awaiting approval from the EU Council, aims to provide only single-entry visas to Somali people, raise visa costs, and prolong application processing periods from 15 to 45 days. The EU may also suspend certain laws mandating the provision of supporting documentation for visa applications.
