In response to an inquiry from an Anadolu Agency reporter, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani acknowledged the significant delays in the visa process due to the overwhelming number of applications at consulates.
Tajani explained, “A visa application is a time-consuming process, and consulates are working hard to address the delays.
He reassured that there are “absolutely no obstacles” for Turkish students wishing to study in Italy. The issue has gained attention after Turkish students, accepted into Italian universities but unable to travel due to visa delays, staged protests outside the Italian Consulate General in Istanbul and Izmir.
Experts in Italy are calling for urgent action to resolve the challenges faced by Turkish students. Vera Costantini, president of the Italy-Türkiye Friendship Association and a faculty member at Ca’ Foscari University in Venice, stressed the importance of internationalization in Italian higher education. She highlighted Italy’s efforts to attract foreign students, including those from Türkiye.
Costantini noted that visa delays not only cause students to lose tuition fees but also lead to additional costs for flights and other expenses. She criticized the visa policy as “illogical,” pointing out the contradiction between Italy’s push for international enrollment and the barriers caused by the visa process.
Former Italian Ambassador to Türkiye Carlo Marsili shared similar concerns, arguing that requiring Turkish citizens to obtain visas for Europe is “wrong,” particularly since the European Union had previously promised to ease entry restrictions for Turkish nationals. Marsili attributed the stricter visa policies to concerns over illegal migration but urged authorities to address the issue without “politicizing” it.
Both Costantini and Marsili emphasized the mutual benefits of Turkish students studying in Italy, noting that such exchanges strengthen bilateral relations. As Italy works to improve the visa process, the hope is that more Turkish students will be able to take advantage of the country’s educational opportunities.
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