"Statement from Italy regarding the visa issues of Turkish students."

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Minister Tajani, who participated in the promotion of the "Italian Cuisine Week" held for the 9th time this year at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Rome, answered questions from journalists upon his exit.

"VISA APPLICATION IS A TIME-CONSUMING PROCESS"

In response to a reminder about the protest held last week by students and their parents who were accepted into different programs at Italian universities but could not go to the country because their visas were not issued, and that some students have been waiting for a response to their applications for nearly 5 months, Tajani said, "Visa application is a time-consuming process. We are working to increase the number of staff (at the consulates). When there are many visa requests, the consulates work as much as possible."

"THERE IS NO OBSTACLE FROM OUR SIDE"

Tajani expressed that this situation can occur in different parts of the world, just as it can happen in Turkey, stating, "Many consulates are overwhelmed with visa requests and cannot always fulfill what is asked of them quickly, but there is definitely no obstacle from our side regarding Turkish students wanting to come to Italy to study."

Some students who could not go to Italy because they could not obtain visas despite having the right to education, along with their families, protested in front of the Italian Consulate in Istanbul on November 14 with a press statement to express their reaction to the situation. A similar protest was held today in front of the Italian Consulate in Izmir.