Germany Rejects Most Turkish Visa Applications
In 2022, Germany stood out for its high rate of Schengen visa rejections for Turkish applicants, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by Turks seeking such visas. Despite more than 700,000 Turkish citizens applying for Schengen visas, Germany led in visa denials. Among the 220,000 applications processed by German authorities, 174,929 were granted, indicating a noteworthy approval rate, but the considerable number of denials presents a contrasting picture.
Out of the 120,876 Turkish visa applications submitted at consulates in Ankara, Edirne, Istanbul, and Izmir last year, 48,040 were turned down by German authorities, marking Germany as the primary source of visa rejections for Turkey.
These persistent obstacles highlight the ongoing struggles of Turkish citizens when pursuing Schengen visas. While diplomatic efforts continue, the European Commission and diplomatic officials maintain that political motives are not the basis for these visa rejections. In a separate occurrence, Belgium’s denial of entry visas to two Turkish staff members has disrupted the Serbian women’s national volleyball team’s participation in the CEV EuroVolley 2023 tournament. This decision, based on concerns about coaches’ return intentions, has prompted concerns within the sports community, as it contradicts the international camaraderie that sports promote, leading to disappointment among coaches and players.