Belgium revokes work permits of 5 Turkish Imams citing ‘foreign influence’
An image of Yesil Mosque in Belgium.
Belgium’s Flemish Labor Minister Zuhal Demir has revoked the work permits of five Turkish imams, citing ‘foreign influence.’
The imams, employed at mosques in Ghent, Antwerp, Diest, Sint-Niklaas, and Lommel, have been given three months to leave the country.
These imams, whose salaries are paid by Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), can appeal the decision in the Council of State.
Demir’s staunch opposition to the Turkish government
Demir is known for her staunch opposition to the Turkish government and her previous support for terror organization PKK.
Demir based her decision on a regulation that came into effect in May, which bans payments from foreign governments to migrant workers.
This is the first time the law has been applied to Turkish imams, but it may also affect other Diyanet employees.
More steps expected against so-called ‘foreign influence’
Speaking to Belgian media, Demir said, “I am taking strict measures regarding foreign government funding. We cannot simply ignore this.”
There are 43 mosques in Belgium, 12 of which are officially recognized. Belgium is also discussing the revocation of some mosque licenses due to ‘Ankara’s heavy influence.’
