The Spanish government has recently introduced a new policy requiring citizens of Sudan and Chad who arrive at Spanish airports to acquire a transit visa.
As the Spanish authorities noted, such a measure follows a surge in arrivals from these two countries over the past few months.
The number of individuals arriving in Spain from Sudan and Chad has increased since these countries are dealing with severe humanitarian crises and armed conflicts, Schengen.
The Spanish government, as cited by the Mundiario newspaper, stated that such a policy aims to enhance border control and better manage the flux of migrants in cooperation with Morocco.
Spain’s transit visa requirement for citizens from Sudan and Chad, which took effect on June 28, is expected to seriously affect many people fleeing conflict and humanitarian crisis, according to the Red Acoge, a federation that supports migrants’ and refugees’ rights in Spain.
As noted in a recent press release, 14 civil society organisations have sent a letter to the Spanish government requesting to abolish this requirement.
Furthermore, Red Acoge said such a policy would push several individuals to risk their lives through illegal routes, noting that this “may result in avoidable human tragedies”.
Spain’s decision has also been criticised by the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR), noting that such a measure constitutes an additional barrier for individuals seeking international protection.
Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called on the Spanish government to reconsider this decision and look for options that ensure safe and lawful access to asylum.
On the other hand, Spain’s decision has been supported by some European countries, noting that it is essential to enhance border control to manage the flux of migrants better.
Source : https://schengen.news/spain-imposes-transit-visas-for-citizens-of-sudan-chad-human-rights-ngos-criticize-the-decision/
