EU court rules against obligation to issue humanitarian visas

European Union member states do not have to issue entry visas to people at risk of torture or inhuman treatment, the EU's top court ruled has ruled, cutting off a possible channel for refugees.


The decision by the European Court of Justice goes against advice from its chief lawyer, who said last month that such visas had to be issued under EU law.

The court ruled on a case of a Syrian family from the city of Aleppo who applied for a visa to stay with acquaintances in Belgium in October.

Belgian authorities had refused the visa, leading to a court battle.

"Member States are not required, under EU law, to grant a humanitarian visa to persons who wish to enter their territory with a view to applying for asylum, but they remain free to do so on the basis of their national law," the court said.

Belgium's immigration minister had said at the time that ruling in favour of humanitarian visas would "throw the gates wide open" to asylum-seekers.
 [rte.ie]
7/3/17