Immigration Amnesty to Be in Force for 45 Days

The so-called “Immigration Amnesty,” introduced under the Foreigners and Immigration (Amendment) Law, will apply to individuals who are subject to penalties due to irregular residence in the country.

The Ministry stated that foreign nationals who have been fined for irregular stay, as well as those issued deportation orders that have not yet been enforced due to irregular residence or employment, will be eligible to apply within the 45-day period.

Individuals who remained in the country after the expiry of their visa or residence permit, or who failed to renew their permits, are also covered by the regulation.

Applicants whose applications are approved will be required to complete payment within 10 days following approval by the Immigration Department.

Foreign nationals who are under arrest or deportation orders that have not been executed due to irregular residence or employment may also apply within the 45 days. Upon approval based on a police report, payment must again be completed within 10 days.

The statement said that approved applicants will be granted a 60-day residence permit. During this period, if an employer applies for a work permit on their behalf, the application will be exempt from pre-permit procedures.

According to the Ministry, spouses, unmarried children under the age of 25, and disabled children of individuals benefiting from the amnesty will also be able to apply within 60 days. If approved, they will be exempt from fines and granted a 60-day residence permit.

Children under the age of 18 will be exempt from all fees, charges, and penalties upon application.

The Ministry also stated that foreign nationals married to TRNC citizens, who later fell into irregular status, may apply via the Ministry’s official website within 45 days and benefit from the amnesty upon payment of one minimum wage.

Individuals who were deported and banned from entering the country may apply to TRNC embassies within 45 days if they can document first-degree family ties. If approved, they will be granted entry within 30 days.

Foreign nationals who own property in the country in their own name or their spouse’s name may also apply within 45 days, with approved applicants granted entry permission within 30 days.

Deported individuals who meet the required conditions may also apply to embassies within the same period, the Ministry said, adding that entry may be granted within 30 days upon a positive police report.

Students abroad who have completed at least 50 percent of their credit requirements may also apply, with successful applicants allowed to enter the country within 30 days.

The Ministry further noted that applications will be processed within a maximum of five days for domestic applicants and 30 days for those applying from abroad through Immigration Department channels.