Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has expressed dissatisfaction with the increasing rejection rates of Schengen visa applications from Turkish citizens by the European Union (EU). Fidan labeled the high rejection rates as “political blackmail,” causing disruptions to travel and business plans for Turkish citizens and escalating tensions between Turkey and the EU.
The rejection rates, stable at around 4% between 2014 and 2016, have steadily increased, reaching 17% in 2021. Despite a slight decrease to 15.7% in 2022, Fidan emphasized the persistence of a high rate. Turkish authorities have invited EU ambassadors for discussions and urged a relaxation of strict visa rules. Turkey, an EU candidate for 24 years, faces hurdles in membership talks, with six unfulfilled criteria.
Minister Fidan previously urged EU authorities to ease Schengen visa rules, citing delays and advocating for long-term visas with multiple entries for Turkish nationals.
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