CFive Turkish imams have had their work permits revoked, reports Monday The Latest News. This decision comes after the minister discovered that the imams in question were paid by the Turkish government. This is the first time that the Flemish government has intervened so severely in this way.
The imams concerned have been officiating in the mosques of Ghent, Antwerp, Diest, Saint-Nicolas and Lommel for four years. Their application for a new work permit was rejected. They are therefore now required to leave the territory.
Since May, Flanders has prohibited economic migrants from being registered on foreign government pay slips. The five imams are the first to suffer the consequences of the measure, but others could follow.
These five Turkish nationals are all linked to the Diyanet network, the Turkish administration responsible for the management of Islamic worship in Türkiye and among Turkish diasporas abroad. The Belgian wing oversees 43 mosques in Belgium.
“I strongly oppose these practices. This is funding from a foreign government. We cannot turn a blind eye to this,” Ms. Demir said to justify her decision.
Imams can, however, appeal to the Council of State or request their work permit via another Belgian non-profit organization.
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