The devastating earthquakes that hit Türkiye's south and southeast region have left thousands of people homeless and in dire need of assistance. In response, several European countries have taken action to facilitate visa procedures for Turkish and Syrian citizens residing in their countries to temporarily host their earthquake-affected relatives. 

The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland have all made attempts to expedite the visa application procedure for people wishing to visit their loved ones in Turkey. Thus, the Turkish applicants will be facilitated even though it is not a part of the Schengen zone. 

The EU Nations to Facilitate the Türkiye Earthquake Victims

In wake of the recent calamity, several European countries have taken action to ease visa procedures and facilitate the temporary hosting of earthquake victims by their relatives living in Europe.

For instance, the Swiss authorities have said that visa applications filed by earthquake victims will be prioritized. The Swiss Secretariat for Migration said that all victims who have close family ties in Switzerland would be able to obtain a visa through less strict measures and join them temporarily.

Germany has also announced plans to ease the visa rules for Turkish and Syrian earthquake victims. The German authorities have said that they want to make it possible for all earthquake victims needing medical treatment and facing homelessness to join their families in Germany.

Similarly, Belgium and the Netherlands have taken similar decisions too. The Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration has instructed the Immigration Office to accelerate the visa application procedures for Turkish and Syrian nationals affected by the earthquake. Meanwhile, the Dutch government has said that it would prioritize visa appointments made by earthquake victims, allowing them to stay with their relatives in the country.

These European nations' choice to relax visa requirements is evidence of their close ties to Turkey. It also demonstrates the will of these nations to support Syria and Turkey during this trying moment.

This decision will provide much-needed relief to the victims of the earthquake who are desperately in need of medical attention and a safe place to stay. It will also allow families to reunite during this difficult time, offering much-needed emotional support.

It is also worth noting that this decision will help strengthen the ties between these European countries and Turkey. It will provide an opportunity for the citizens of these countries to learn more about Turkish culture and way of life, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between them.

Special Attempts made by Certain Nations

Germany intends to permit earthquake victims from Turkey and Syria to temporarily reside with family members there. According to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the procedure would be handled similarly to regular visas but would be finished quickly.

According to the minister of asylum and migration for Belgium, many Belgians would be willing to assist and temporarily care for their relatives in Turkey. She also stressed that the visa office has been told to expedite the application process.

Meanwhile, a UK-based petition effort has been started asking the government to grant special visas to earthquake victims from Turkey who have relatives living there. The petition has already been signed by over 68,000 people.

Conclusion

To put it in a nutshell, the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria has left many people homeless and in need of urgent medical care. As a result, several European countries have taken steps to ease the visa process for those seeking refuge with their family members in these countries. These efforts demonstrate the importance of solidarity and empathy in times of crisis, as well as the need for global cooperation to address humanitarian issues.

FAQS

Can I enter Europe without a visa from Turkey?

Turkey and the European Union have been in negotiations for a number of years; these negotiations may one day result in Turkey joining the EU and the Schengen Zone. This would enable holders of Turkish passports to travel visa-free to a large number of new nations in Europe and beyond.

Will the visa process be faster for earthquake victims?

Yes, the European countries mentioned above have announced that they will accelerate the visa process for earthquake victims, allowing them to join their families in Europe as quickly as possible.