Visa reciprocity: European Union ambassador reacts to Ousmane Sonko’s announcement

LPrime Minister Ousmane Sonko ‘s announcement regarding the upcoming implementation of the principle of visa reciprocity between Senegal and foreign countries, particularly European ones, continues to provoke reactions. The European Union ambassador to Dakar sought to clarify this sensitive issue, which is attracting the attention of Senegalese citizens and authorities.

Asked about this, the diplomat acknowledged the importance of the debate: “It’s a topic that often comes up in current affairs debates, on social media. We are very aware of the importance that the Senegalese population and the government attach to this subject.”

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He clarified that the issuance of visas remains a national prerogative, governed by both the laws of EU member states and the Schengen Visa Code. In response to accusations of harshness or arbitrariness in the allocation of visas, he emphasized the reality of the figures.

“Between 2008 and 2023, the number of Senegalese citizens granted a residence permit in the European Union increased from 150,000 to more than 300,000. For short-stay visas, the number issued doubled between 2021 and 2023.”

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A cost deemed high, but justified according to Brussels

On the issue of visa fees, which are often considered prohibitive by applicants, the ambassador cautions: “The cost of a Schengen visa is set by the Visa Code. It is generally lower than that of many countries outside the Schengen area. And it only covers a portion of the actual cost of processing an application.”

He also warns against illegal intermediaries who would aggravate the perception of an opaque and expensive system: “This perception of a high cost can also be linked to the intervention of unofficial intermediaries, who have no official role in the procedure.”

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A call for more transparency and dialogue

Despite criticism and tensions, the European Union assures that it remains open to dialogue with the Senegalese authorities: “These are complex issues that our Member States are following very closely. Our aim is to make the situation as transparent and fluid as possible, for the benefit of all.”

While Dakar is considering reciprocity as a political response, Brussels is banking on education, data and cooperation to avoid escalation.