https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/12/germany-to-offer-fast-visas-for-turkey-earthquake-victims
There is no doubt that the recent earthquakes in Turkey have been nothing short of horrific and tragic. As of now, the death toll has surpassed 35,000, and in response, the German government has permitted those in Turkey affected by the tragedy to stay temporarily in Germany without the need of special visas. Instead, the German government allows the stay for 3 months under a regular visa. The German minister of the Interior said, “We want to make it possible for Turkish or Syrian families in germany to be able to bring close relatives from the disaster region to them unbureaucratically.”
There are about 4 million people of both Turkish and Syrian descent living in Germany at the present. A huge jump in the Syrian origin has resulted from the borders being opened by the former German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. The people that have been affected by the earthquake have largely been stuck, so to speak, unable to find a place to stay while they manage to solve the problems that followed. The help from the surrounding countries while the crisis is being managed has surely helped those lost in a major way. This outreach from Germany is especially important, as a major group of Turkish origin have either families or connections. Allowing them to stay without a special travel visa really shows compassion, and friendliness in the wake of a tragedy, despite that troubles the countrys’ governments have with each other.
While Syria is not an official member of NATO (and it doesn’t really affect the situation), I like to think of this response to a tragedy such as this an example of countries working together when alliances are formed, and a collective problem is faced. The earthquake, an unforeseen tragedy that has claimed the lives of many, showed vulnerabilities that we simply cannot predict. When countries who have developed ties, such as Germany and Turkey work together when something like this happens, it helps show how alliances can not only work together in times of war or political crisis, but also when humanitarian efforts are required for assistance.