Israel turns down Vatican plea on visas for Arab priests
May 14, 2009
An Israeli official has disclosed that the country's interior minister rejected a Vatican plea for relaxation of strict immigration rules that force Arab priests to obtain new visas every time they enter Israel. The Vatican had sought approval for multi-entry visas, particularly for priests and bishops who serve communities in Israel and other countries; these clerics are now required to obtain a visa for each visit to their parishioners inside Israel. The plea for more accommodating visa rules was one of a series of requests made by Vatican diplomats in ongoing talks that are expected eventually to produce a permanent juridical accord establishing the rights of Church institutions in Israel.
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