İmamoğlu calls on European Union for 'visa liberalization': Regulation for Turkish citizens
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu stated that he welcomes the new regulation introduced by the European Union (EU) regarding Schengen visas, but noted that it is insufficient. İmamoğlu called on both the EU and the Turkish government to work toward visa liberalization.
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With the decision taken by the EU, a regulation has been introduced for Schengen visas for Turkish citizens.
In the decision dated July 15, it was emphasized that "the number of good-faith Turkish citizen applicants who have legally used visas continues to increase," and it was stated that this group "poses a lower migration and security risk compared to first-time applicants."
İmamoğlu also stated that he welcomes the regulation in question but finds it insufficient, noting the following:
"The EU's recent decision to facilitate long-term, multi-entry visa processes for Turkish citizens is a welcome step.
Returning to the spirit of Schengen and implementing it effectively and consistently could help resolve some of the difficulties faced by Turkish citizens, particularly business people, artists, athletes, and young people who interact with Europe on a regular basis.
However, this is, at best, a partial solution. The real solution remains full visa liberalization."