- Calls for constructive approach
ADDIS ABABA-The European Union’s (EU) unjustified visa restriction comes despite ongoing collaboration between the Ethiopian government and EU member states to address migration and some asylum seekers’ repatriation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.
In a biweekly press briefing he gave here yesterday, MoFA Spokesperson Nebiyu Tedla stated the EU overlooked the complex problem of migration and asylum seekers and failed to acknowledge Ethiopia’s efforts to repatriate its citizens facing challenges abroad.
According to the spokesperson, the majority of individuals that were identified as Ethiopians by the EU and lacking proper documentation and licenses are actually non-Ethiopians. “Out of the 89 individuals identified by the EU, only 26 have been confirmed as Ethiopians, while 15 already repatriated by the Ethiopian government.”
The task of identifying the citizenship of asylum seekers remains complex, particularly for migrants from the Horn of Africa region, who share similar cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, Nebiyu emphasized.
“Ethiopia affirms its adherence to international law regarding the repatriation of migrants and asylum seekers who are not eligible to access licenses. But we need to ensure that individuals are properly identified as Ethiopian citizens before being accepted back into the country. The government maintains its commitment to cooperation with the EU on migration-related matters.”
He also noted that some media’s portrayal of the case as a blanket visa restriction is far from reality. Though the move poses challenges, individuals meeting the new visa standards can still apply.
The EU has suspended the issuance of Schengen visa and prohibited the travel of Ethiopian nationals from one European state to another in a single visa. It also extended the time that required obtaining a visa from 15 to 45 dates thereby complicating situations for Ethiopian citizens seeking entry into EU member states even for commercial purposes, the spokesperson elaborated.
Meanwhile, Nebiyu criticized EU member countries’ “paternalistic joint statement” regarding Ethiopia’s press freedom landscape. “The Ministry condemns such statements as unhelpful and lacking in diplomatic tact.”
“Several EU member countries’ embassies in Addis Ababa have casted doubt on the progress of press freedom in Ethiopia. The joint press release, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, deviates from diplomatic norms and undermines bilateral diplomatic efforts.”
Such orchestrated critics are also witnessed beyond press freedom; as such paternalistic statements across various issues hinder constructive engagements. This orchestrated campaign disregards international diplomatic norms and culture, the spokesperson emphasized.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 10 MAY 2024
