Oğuz: 3,073 Applications Submitted Under Immigration Amnesty

Speaking on BRT’s Gündem 12 programme, Oğuz said there had been strong interest in the application process and that the system was operating actively.

He noted that applications submitted through TRNC representative offices abroad had occasionally been the subject of criticism and public debate. Oğuz explained that applications filed through embassies and representative offices outside Turkey are not processed unless they receive prior approval from the TRNC and meet the necessary requirements. He said an initial application is first submitted and only becomes official once all conditions are fulfilled.

According to Oğuz, the system had received a total of 3,073 applications as of today. He said some applications had already been approved, while others remain under review.

The minister urged individuals who have exceeded their legal period of stay in the country to take advantage of the amnesty. He added that information about the programme has been disseminated through media outlets, professional associations, student organisations and universities.

Oğuz also stressed that applicants are required to register their residential addresses in the system, noting that it is important for the state to know where individuals who are legally residing in the country live. He warned that failure to provide a legal address could create problems in the future and contribute to unregistered residency.

To address the issue, district governorates, the Police General Directorate and the Immigration Department are working together, he said.

The minister acknowledged that some special cases involving family reunification and legal permits have arisen in applications submitted from abroad, while other requests cannot be accommodated under existing legislation.

“We are obliged to implement what the law provides,” Oğuz said, adding that permits would be granted to all applicants who meet the legal requirements and are eligible to benefit from the amnesty.

He also signalled that inspections and enforcement measures would be intensified following the amnesty period.

“Our aim is to put an end to irregular residency in the country,” Oğuz said, adding that inspections carried out by the Police General Directorate and the Migration Centre would be strengthened in the coming period.