Five Turkish imams lose Belgian work permits due to foreign funding ban
Five Turkish imams who have been living in Belgium for four years are at risk of losing their jobs and being expelled from the country. Their work permits have not been renewed as a result of new Flemish regulations aimed at curbing foreign influence, which prohibit economic migrants from being funded by foreign governments.
The imams, working in mosques in Antwerp, Sint-Niklaas, Ghent, Diest and Lommel, were employed under the Turkish Diyanet network. The Turkish authorities submitted the applications for their work permit renewals on 5 September, but they were denied after a screening by the Flemish government showed that the imams received funding from the Turkish state.
Since 1 May 2024, Flemish regulations prohibit economic migrants in Flanders from being funded by foreign governments. This ban particularly targets religious leaders like the imams, who are considered civil servants employed by the Turkish state.
The policy reflects a growing concern among governments about threats posed by foreign interference.
"This is about funding from a foreign government. We cannot turn a blind eye"
The decision not to renew their work permits was made by Flemish minister Zuhal Demir of N-VA, citing the need to act swiftly and strictly: “This is about funding from a foreign government. We cannot turn a blind eye.”
The imams now have three months to find a new employer. If they fail to do so, Belgium’s Federal Immigration Office may decide to expel them from the country. Under European Union rules, a lapsed work permit automatically leads to the revocation of a residence permit.
The imams have the right to appeal the decision to the Council of State within 60 days.
In 2023, 66 applications for work permits from recognised religious leaders were submitted in Flanders, with 48 approved. So far in 2024, 36 out of 51 applications have been granted.
#FlandersNewsService | The Belgian and Turkish flags at a mosque in Houthalen-Helchteren © BELGA PHOTO YORICK JANSENS
Related news
