Turkey extends work permits of some academics from France

* Photo: AA - Archive

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In the wake of a video conference between President of France Emmanuel Macron and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on March 2, the work permits of some academics from France working in İstanbul's Galatasaray University have been extended for a short period of time.

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has said that the work permits of 14 academics have been extended to give them time "so that they can present a document proving that they know at least B2 level Turkish."

As reported by Euronews, French News Agency (AFP) has reported that the work permits of 14 academics from France working in Galatasaray University have been extended for three to six months.

However, no work permits have been granted to some academics from France. The ones whose permits have been extended will be able to stay in Turkey until June, but the school year ends in July.

A step against France

After France made it obligatory for foreign imams and teachers to know B2 level French, the YÖK took a similar step and made it obligatory for academics from France to know B2 level Turkish. After December 2020, the work and residence permits of academics from France who could not document that they knew B2 level Turkish were not renewed.

Speaking to BBC Türkçe on February 12, 2021, an official from the YÖK said that the day France changed its decision about the issue, Turkey would also take a step back from the obligation of B2 level Turkish.

According to the same news report, 25 academics from France have been affected by this obligation at Galatasaray University; only three of them know B2 level Turkish. (EKN/SD)