10,000 earthquake survivors who went to Germany did not return: They have applied for asylum

Following the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, Germany had launched a 3-month fast and easy visa program for earthquake survivors with relatives living in Germany.

It was learned that 10,000 earthquake survivors who went to Germany with this visa did not return to Turkey even though their visas expired.

According to the report by Ali Gülen from Sözcü, it was learned that those who came to stay with their relatives using the earthquake visa have filed asylum requests for various reasons. 

While the Berliner Morgenpost newspaper reported that asylum applications have been made, information is coming in that these individuals, who are staying with their relatives, are remaining through various methods.

It was also stated that some earthquake survivors have found jobs and are working while their asylum processes are ongoing. On the other hand, it was learned that the asylum requests of these individuals, whose three-month visas have long since expired, were rejected on the grounds that "Turkey is not a war zone; it is a NATO partner, an EU candidate, and a safe country," but the applicants have taken the matter to court.

News Source: 12punto