Germany suspends issuing humanitarian visas to Belarusians
Berlin's central railway station
July 25, Pozirk. Germany has suspended issuing humanitarian visas to Belarusians and other nationalities after the ruling coalition reached a corresponding agreement, the Federal Ministry of the Interior told Pozirk.
It said the alliance agreed to reduce, as far as possible, federal programs for the voluntary intake of foreign nationals and to not initiate any new ones. The ministry added that the implementation of this decision was under review and that all procedures would remain suspended until a final decision was reached.
Previously, Germany admitted Belarusians on special humanitarian or political grounds. Its regulations stated that a residence permit could be issued if the interior ministry or an authorized body justified the foreigner’s admission based on Germany’s political interests.
The ministry’s press office didn’t respond to Pozirk’s inquiry about the next steps for Belarusian nationals still facing political persecution at home and hoping for German humanitarian visas.
The coalition agreement stated that Germany was an open country that respected its humanitarian commitments. “The fundamental right to asylum remains inviolable,” it said.
However, the agreement also called for a significant reduction in “incentives to immigrate for the sake of the welfare system.”
Belarus, Turkey to extend visa-free stay for drivers, crew members
July 21, Pozirk. Belarus and Turkey have agreed to extend the period of visa-free stay for drivers and crew members from 30 to 90 days in any 180-day period. The protocol signed today in Minsk amends the March 2013 intergovernmental …
