100 Missionaries Rejected Visa Renewals in Israel

Recently, it was reported that the Israeli government refused to renew visas for more than 100 foreign nuns, priests and other religious workers.

In mid-March, two 'Most Holy Rosary' sisters were stopped by police while a Franciscan brother was also halted in his steps by security patrols. Even though they had been staying in Israel for years, the Interior Ministry office insisted in rejecting their visa renewal applications.

In the past 56 years this is the first time that visa renewals for religious workers in Israel have been turned down. The alteration has come about since a change of the administration party in the government, which is now administered by Shinui liberal secular party.