European visa restrictions on Middle Eastern Journalists

Posted by Allie Judson on October 31, 2006 at 11:44 AM

As more Middle Eastern Journalists look to enter Europe for training and research programs, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Federation of Arab Journalists (FAJ) complain that European authorities are creating stricter restrictions to keep them out.

At a mid-October conference between IFJ and FAJ both groups complained of European governmental restrictions regarding entry and travel visas causing delayed entry and restriction of movement. Both groups believe bureaucratic tactics like these are what is creating and pro-longing the misunderstanding between Europe and the Middle East. The groups are now asking for a speedier visa process for journalist so not to limit the journalist’s work.

“Traveling reporters are a threat to no-one,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary, “but they do provide an opportunity for more informed and better quality journalism in an age when prejudice, stereotype and ignorance tend to dominate the headlines.”

Source: International Federation of Journalists

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