Faster procedure used for German visas issued to earthquake victims

Germany has used a new procedure designed to help victims of the February 6 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria to issue more than 1,000 visas to those affected by the devastation, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Berlin on Tuesday, reported dpa.

As of Friday, a total of 1,333 visas had been issued, including 1,097 that qualified under a new, simplified procedure put in place after the disaster as well as visas issued under existing regulations for family reunification.

The new procedure is aimed at assisting victims in both countries, who are being allowed the option of living temporarily with relatives in Germany.

It has come under criticism, as a valid passport and biometric photograph are required, despite the pledge of an unbureaucratic procedure. Victims have complained that key documents were lost in the earthquake.

More than 50,000 people died in the twin quakes, which were followed by thousands of aftershocks.