The Commission stated that it has now suggested to cancel the higher visa charge for its citizens in light of the advancements The Gambia has made since 2022 in terms of readmission cooperation, according to EU Helpers.

This indicates that after the provision is repealed, citizens of The Gambia, who have been obliged to pay €120 for the visa cost since December 2022, will not be compelled to pay more than €80.

Although the Commission has suggested this modification, it emphasized that the initial set of regulations adopted in 2021 will still be in effect.

Due to the nation's lack of cooperation over the readmission of its citizens who are now residing illegally on EU territory, the Commission decided to implement the measures in 2021.

As a result, the Commission made the decision to stop considering whether certain requirements for the documentary evidence that must be submitted when applying for a visa may be waived in 2021.

The Commission also resolved to stop allowing individual Member States to exempt citizens of The Gambia with diplomatic or service passports from paying the visa cost.

The same authority resolved to suspend the granting of multiple entry visas and to extend the processing period for visas to 45 days for all situations falling under the purview of the measures in 2021.

The EU Commission stated in 2021 that the sanctions placed on The Gambia have no impact on the ability of its citizens to seek for and get visas. Instead, it emphasized that the restrictions are merely intended to press The Gambia's government to assist with the readmission procedure.

Along with the aforementioned, the Commission has also endorsed a proposal for visa restrictions for Ethiopia in an effort to strengthen readmission cooperation between the EU and the nation.

According to the Commission, the authorities must evaluate the readmission cooperation with third countries on an annual basis under the amended Visa Code.

The same said that authorities kept in touch with non-EU nations in accordance with readmission instruments. Additionally, the Commission informs EU Member States of the status of this cooperation.

Following the Council's approval of the Commission's suggestion, the authorities are anticipated to issue a formal statement regarding the topic.