The Flemish Labour Minister Zuhal Demir (nationalist), has revoked the work permits of five Turkish imams because they are being paid by the Turkish government. The imams preach at the mosque in Antwerp, Ghent (east Flanders), Diest (Flemish Brabant), Sint-Niklaas (East Flanders) and Lommel (Limburg Province). The mosques are part of the Diyanet network that has close links to the authorities in Turkey.
Flemish Labour Minister revokes 5 imams’ work permits: “They are paid by the Turkish government”
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Ms Demir says that the Islamic clerics whose work permits have been revoked are in the pay of the Turkish government
New regulations that came into force from in May prohibit migrant workers in Flanders from being in the pay of foreign governments. The five imams have been working in Flanders for 4 years.
Following the withdrawal of their work permits, the imams with either have to leave Belgium or find another employer within three months.
They have 60 days to lodge an appeal with the Council of State.