Via Bianet – The United States Embassy in Turkey has declared that it has indefinitely suspended all visa services in Turkey. “Recent events have forced the United States government to reassess the commitment of government of Turkey to the security of US mission and personnel,” the statement by the US mission in Ankara said.

The decision to suspend all visa services except the migration visa includes not only touristic visas but also all sorts of visas required to enter the US such student visa or temporary work permit.

Arrest of Metin Topuz

Working at the US Consulate General in İstanbul, Metin Topuz was arrested as part of the “Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ)” investigation. The US Embassy in Ankara said that it was “deeply disturbed” by the consulate employee’s arrest. “We believe these allegations to be wholly without merit,” it added.

Turkey retaliated by suspending visa services as well

Turkey responded to US suspending the visa services in Turkey. Turkish Consulate General in Washington issuing a similar statement to the US, declared that it suspended all visa and e-visa services.