Europe considering reintroducing visas

The European Union could temporarily reintroduce visas for some travellers from outside the bloc in case of a sudden influx of migrants from a specific country, under plans presented by the EU executive on Tuesday.

The proposal addresses concerns by some EU governments about a sharp increase in asylum seekers from the western Balkans, where countries won the right to visa-free travel to the 25 member states of Europe's border-free Shengen area.

It also reflects a growing reluctance in Europe to keep its borders open at a time when turmoil in North Africa is driving thousands of people to seek refuge and jobs in the EU, while public opinion grows hostile to newcomers.

The European Commission said new rules would allow EU member governments to quickly restore visas in case of a "high inflow of irregular migrants or a sudden increase of unfounded asylum requests from a third country."

Source: Reuters.com