Will the Italian government issue a visa for the Dalai Lama?

[michaela]

It would be embarrassing for both the Dalai Lama and the CTA if the Italian government did not issue a visa for the Dalai Lama for his visit in September.


Italy shuts its doors on non-violent Tibetans ... no more visas

Out of the clear blue, on May 18, 2017, the Italian consulate in Mumbai published a notice that it would no longer accept Tibetans asking for visas to Italy. Tibetans in India are considered "stateless" and hold the only travel document they have: Identity Certificate, or Yellow Passport in jargon, issued by the government of India.  Days later, the same disturbing news was given from the Italian embassy in Delhi.  A directive was given them from the Ministery of Foreign Affairs in Rome, Italy to not issue visas to Tibetans invited to Italy.
There is no viable reason for this block other than saying that the Identity Certificate does not meet "technical requirements".  Very strange, considering that this document was accepted until May 17, 2017, and has been for around 30 years.

This sudden decision has caused enormous setbacks to many Dharma centers, associations, etc. who invite Tibetans, usually monks or nuns, during the summer for tours that bring the Tibetan culture of non-violence to our country.  This decision also damages lay Tibetans wanting to visit their families living in Italy.

The Italian government has accepted Buddhism as a legal religion, however in this way, Buddhists following Tibetan Buddhism will be penalised as their teachers will not be given visas to enter into the country!

H.H. the Dalai Lama has been invited to 4 different Italian cities in September, 2017.   

The Dalai Lama is now 82 years old and travels with a group of Tibetans whom he relies on when he travels. Most of them travel with Indian government Identity Certificates.

We expect that the Dalai Lama will receive a visa for Italy, as did the HH the 42nd Sakya Trizin during the month of July.  However, the Italian government did not give Sakya Trizin's assistants visas.  Is this what we can expect from the Italian government for the Dalai Lama?
We insist that the Italian government stop blocking Tibetans who have only brought ethical values and spirituality into our country.  We ask our government to reinstate the issuing of visas to Tibetans holding Indian issued Identity Certificates.
Please don't make us be the laughing stock of the world for refusing the only non-violent people on this earth entrance to Italy!!!

https://www.change.org/p/italian-government-italy-shuts-its-doors-on-non-violent-tibetans-no-more-visas

[michaela]

I wonder if the Dalai Lama's planned visit to Italy in September 2017 will still be happening. After all, he has canceled his visit to Botswana and Montreal Canada due to exhaustion. It would be interesting to see whether the Italian government will issue a visa to the Dalai Lama and his entourage.

[Belinda Mae]

I guess the Tibetans should ask the CTA to do something instead of asking the Italian government to do something. The root cause of all these removal of entries to Italy goes back to the CTA. Why don't they solve the problem? Why must they blame other countries for removing the entries? Now the problem has gone to inconvenient other lay Tibetan people who wants to visit their family members in Italy. To me, CTA is the culprit.

[Richardlaktam]

Now they feel the pinch of how Dorje Shugden practitioners feel being segregated, banned from entering some premises, and being separated from their Monasteries. Yes, the Italian government decision could affect the rest of the Tibetans, but at least it gives a big slap on Dalai Lama's and CTA's face.
I think the Italian government was not wrong They have their right to welcome whoever they want to welcome. In this case, obviously they don't welcome Tibetans including the Dalai Lama and CTA. So, instead of picking who they don't welcome, might as well they stop all the Tibetan from entering their country. To them, there's no loss. Instead of asking why Italian government stop the visa, why don't the question be, "Why Italian government wants to grant the Visa for stateless Tibetan?"
I find this ridiculous and funny "Please don't make us be the laughing stock of the world for refusing the only non-violent people on this earth entrance to Italy!!!". You all are already the laughing stock of the world of having CTA as your government. Go back to your government, better still, China, and stop crying over spilled milk like a baby here!

[Brian Little]

Italy government have enough to handle on refugees. They are facing some issues 're too many refugees in their country. Tibetans are no longer considered as refugees because they are already staying in India. Instead of refugees, only wealthy people get to leave as migrants. Why more and more Tibetans wants to leave India if life is good in India under CTA? I read somewhere Swiss Govenrment also rejected 300 Tibetan asylum seekers and were rejected as well. Trendy thing to do for Tibetans these days? CTA not taking care of their people enough??

[DharmaSpace]

The Wheel of Sharp Weapons, best sums up what is happening to the Tibetan Diaspora.

Especially all who segregated and harmed Dorje Shugden practitioners and lamas. There is no justification to ostracize and make life difficult for the people who hold on to certain beliefs or orientation. So it is karma returning, still it is not too late to reconcile and make harmony again amongst Tibetans.

Lift the Dorje Shugden Ban!

[Brian Little]

Dorje Shugden ban makes CTA and Dalai Lama look so bad. Especially CTA because they are the ones who instructed their people to harm Dorje Shugden and create fear into these poor Tibetans into renouncing Dorje Shugden practice. When they couldn't do that, CTA blame it on Dorje Shugden as excuse why they cannot reclaim Tibet back.

[grandmapele]

The Dalai Lama is no longer flavor of the month. There are just a tat too many controversies surrounding him. Ever since the last meeting with President Obama where the Dalai lama had to leave by the back door, reception has decidedly been getting cooler. Even Pope Francis had no real interest in meeting him