"Denied a work permit for being a “threat for the national security,” a German Christian believes that his family’s openly Christian activities prompted Turkey to label them missionaries and deny them entrance in February."
"The German family had not always lived in Turkey on three-month tourist visas. In 2002, following a year of language study in Istanbul, Eisele, 35, had moved his family to the city of Adiyaman in southeastern Turkey, where he opened a foreign language consulting company and taught English on a work visa.
But two years later, without specifying any reason, the Ministry of Work and Social Security refused to renew Eisele’s work permit. The July 2004 letter indicated that a copy of the decision had also been sent to the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Turkey’s secret police."
"One of only two foreign families living in the city of Adiyaman, the Eiseles told Compass there was only one possible reason why the government could view them as a security threat.
“From the very beginning I wasn’t hiding the fact that I was a Christian who stands for his convictions and will make no secret about that to anybody that wants to know about my faith,” Eisele told Compass. “Also, I met regularly with Turkish Christians.”
"Proselytizing and conversion to any religion are allowed under Turkey’s secular legal system, but Turkish authorities remain hostile to foreign missionaries suspected of having ulterior political motives."
"Foreigners cannot get work permits for religious work unless hired by an organization that has established legal status. Expatriate Christians who want to start a new church where one does not yet exist are faced with two options: apply for a work permit under another profession, or live in Turkey on a tourist visa that must be renewed in three month increments."
"One Christian foreigner living in eastern Turkey told Compass that after waiting eight months for a three-year work visa renewal, he instead received a one year permit. By the time it was sent to him, the work permit was only good for another four months."
Compass Direct
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