Slovakia to Welcome Christian Immigrants but Reject Muslims

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Aug 20, 2015

Slovakia to Welcome Christian Immigrants but Reject Muslims

The Slovakian government has agreed to take in refugees from Syria and the surrounding countries that are fleeing violence and unrest in their homelands. However, Slovakia has announced that it will only be allowing Christians into the country. 

Interior ministry spokesman Ivan Metik said that the decision is not discriminatory, and is for the benefit of Muslims.

"We want to help Europe with the migration issue. We could take 800 Muslims but we don't have any mosques in Slovakia so how can Muslims be integrated if they are not going to like it here?" 

He continued, "We want to really help Europe with this migration wave, but… we are only a transit country and the people don't want to stay in Slovakia.” 

The Christian Post reports Europe has seen a dramatic influx of immigrants, with over 240,000 people crossing the Mediterranean this year. 

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is calling on European nations to reach out to the refugees, as they are in need of aid. 

Babar Baloch, Central Europe spokesman for the UNHCR, said, "Resettlement is greatly needed for many refugees who are at extreme risk among the world's most vulnerable groups."

"We encourage governments to take an inclusive approach while considering refugees for resettlement and should not base their selection on discrimination."

Publication date: August 20, 2015



Slovakia to Welcome Christian Immigrants but Reject Muslims