Several years ago and in accordance with the Vatican Israel Agreement priests, ministers, pastors and members of religious congregations both men and women of all Christian denominations were granted long term multiple entry visas, at certain occasions, those visas granted also social rights, such as health insurance and other allowances.

At a certain point, the ministry of religious affairs was dismantled, and the issues of the Christian clergy was moved under the authority of the ministry of interior. At about the same time as the Family Reunification Laws and Regulations began to assume more draconian limitations so also did the visa requirements for, in particular, Arabic speaking clergy of all Christian denominations.

The complexity and depth of the situation cannot be stated summarily. Religious visas are categorized into two types: A2 and A3 Religious Sponsored Visas. The A2 visa is a visa specific to students and covers those studying in the Minor Seminary and the (major) Seminary for studies for the priesthood. It also covers Postulants and Novices in religious orders of both men and women. This visa poses particular problems and is also subdivided by age and country of origin. The visa applies to students under 18 years of age and over 18 years of age, from Arabic speaking countries and from all other countries. All students from non Arabic speaking countries are NOT subject to one year single entry visas and may come and go as they please for the duration of the visa. Arabic speaking students are issued only one year single entry visas and must renew their visa abroad before returning and this process can take from four to eight weeks.