TRNC government announces plans for 90-day amnesty for illegal residents and workers

Plans have been announced for a 90-day amnesty for foreigners living and working in the TRNC illegally. 

If implemented, the amnesty would be the second to be issued this year by the TRNC National Unity Party (UBP)-People’s Party (HP) coalition government.

Labour and Social Security Minister Dr Faiz Sucuoğlu said last week that the number of foreign illegal workers was estimated to be around 9,000 in addition to nearly 48,000 foreign nationals who are legitimately employed in the TRNC workforce.

A draft bill was drawn up and sent to the Parliament, then it was referred to the Parliamentary committee which will hold a week-long debate on it before it is finally sent for approval by MPs, said Dr Sucuoğlu.

He emphasised that the amnesty would be open only to foreigners living and working in the country who would need to apply to the ministry for a 40-day tourist visa after paying a fine.

This will not cover those who are abroad who would have to pay a fine equivalent to the monthly minimum wage to gain legal status, he added.