The punitive measures reflect a history of major EU investment in Ethiopia's migration governance - with few results.
In 2019, 1 395 Ethiopians staying illegally in EU member states were issued return decisions, but only 215 travelled home - an average return rate of 15%. Member states submitted 985 readmission requests to Ethiopian authorities, who issued 41 travel documents - an issuance rate of just 4%.were returned to countries outside the EU, which the European Commission says is a return rate of 19% - not much higher than Ethiopia's return rate of 15% in 2019.
This punitive approach contradicts the principles of good migration governance and contrasts with the EU's New Pact on Migration and Asylum, whichfor accessible and efficient legal migration channels. Experts say for the New Pact to be effective, the EU must criticallyThese agreements must respect international law, particularly the non-refoulement principle, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they may face persecution, torture or serious harm.
The new restrictions could indicate a worrying future trend. The EU's move is symbolic, demonstrating its resolve in handling non-compliant countries and setting a precedent. If successful, it could be applied to other African nations, increasing disparity and leading to a more fragmented migration landscape.There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.