Belgium, Europe Brief News – Qatari nationals have been granted the right to enter Europe with visa-free entry.
European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs has voted 42 in favor of Qatar with only 16 MEPs opposing.
The visa waiver agreement would allow Qataris to visit Europe for purposes of tourism, business, and transit without a permit.
Visas or permits would still be required if a national of these countries wished to stay long-term or undertake employment.
The new step comes as the country is halfway through organizing the World Cup 2022.
The entry of Qatar to the Schengen zone Is granted following a detailed assessment of irregular migration, public policy and security, economic benefits, and the Union’s relations with Qatar.
Observers Welcome the Step
Observers note that Qatar’s reforms to human rights and migrant workers in addition to the benefit of bilateral relations particularly to the European side; were the key to making this decision.
High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, said: “Our proposal to lift visa requirements for Qatari and Kuwaiti nationals is a first step to make it easier for people from the entire region to travel to the European Union. The final objective is to ensure regional coherence and ultimately achieve visa free travel for all Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Together with our upcoming Joint Communication on the Gulf, this proposal will reinforce the overall partnership and strengthen the cooperation between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “Today we are proposing short-stay visa-free travel to the EU for Qatari and Kuwaiti citizens with biometric passports – facilitating people-to-people contacts and strengthening business, social and cultural ties. This is the result of the success of the governments of Qatar and Kuwait in achieving far-reaching reforms and reflects the increasing intensity and depth of EU relations with both countries. It is an important achievement for citizens in both regions, and I hope that the European Parliament and the Council will adopt our proposal swiftly.”
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said: “The proposal for visa exemption for Qatar and Kuwait nationals facilitates business travels, tourism and family visits to the EU. It is also a step towards stronger regional coherence in the Gulf region when it comes to visa regimes. The EU will continue engaging with the remaining visa-required Gulf countries that are interested in visa-free travel to the EU.”
