Third countries whose nationals abuse their Schengen visa-waiver rights by overstaying illegally and making bogus asylum claims will face tougher consequences after a vote today in the European Parliament.

The vote significantly widens the criteria by which the EU can suspend Schengen visa-waiver privileges from third countries — and illegal migration is key among them.

Visa-free entrants into the EU now account for around one in four asylum applications and — as a result of overstaying — roughly half of all illegal migrants entering the EU.

The broader scope of the amended legislation will enable the EU to suspend third countries’ visa-waiver status for reasons including non-compliance with EU sanctions, hybrid threats, non-cooperation on returns and the instrumentalisation of migration, for example by effectively selling citizenship.

The ECR Group’s shadow rapporteur on the file, Charlie Weimers, said:

“Visa-free travel has become a gateway for millions of illegal migrants.

“What was meant for tourism and business is exploited to apply for asylum, work in the black market and commit crime.

“This abuses Europe’s generosity.

“While the Left looked away, the ECR worked as part of the centre-right and with Member States to secure a stronger Visa Suspension Mechanism.

“The time for revisions is over — we must suspend visa-free access for those who abuse it.”