Germany and Belgium have already started issuing faster visas for victims. As a result, Turks and Syrians in the affected area may temporarily visit family or friends in those countries. At least one and a half million people in Turkey have been left homeless by the strong earthquake. Most of them have been cared for in tent cities, but not all have a place.
Valid for three months
The minister says the cabinet wants to “explore all the byways” in terms of aiding the affected Turks and Syrians. But he first wants to know exactly how Germany and Belgium have organized their approach. When the cabinet makes a decision, he doesn’t say it.
The visa is valid for three months. According to Hoekstra, it is “an illusion” that the problems caused by the earthquake will be resolved within “a few weeks or months”. “The country will take years to rebuild.”
The PvdA put parliamentary questions to the cabinet on Saturday whether the Netherlands will also provide expedited visas to earthquake victims.