TRNC prepares amnesty bill for illegal residents: Bill set for discussion in Parliamnet

The government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has presented a bill to the Parliament, which provides a comprehensive immigration amnesty for foreigners living in the country without a resident and work permit.

This new regulation aims to provide significant convenience and amnesty for foreigners who are currently staying in the TRNC without permit.

With the regulation, significant conveniences and amnesty will be offered to foreigners who cannot pay high fines for the days they were illegal in north Cyprus.

The bill is expected to be discussed and approved by the parliament soon.

***What's in the bill?

Amnesty for those with Penalties: Foreigners on leave will not be held responsible for their past fines, provided that they have been given leave at least twice since the date of their penalty and that they pay a fine equal to the gross minimum wage for the periods during which they were off leave.

Amnesty Regulations with Temporary Articles:

Provisional Article 26: Foreigners who are in the country without permit will be able to avoid the remainder of their penalties by applying online within 45 days and paying a fine equal to the gross minimum wage.

Foreigners who have arrest or deportation orders against them will be exempt from these decisions and will be able to obtain a 60-day Visitor Permit by applying online within 45 days and paying the necessary fine.

Provisional Article 27: Foreigners who are abroad and banned from entering the country will be exempt from the remainder of their fines if they enter with prior permit after finding a job and pay a fine equal to the gross minimum wage at the time of entry.

Students applying for university education, spouses and children of TRNC citizens will be able to obtain a 60-day Visitor Permit by paying a penalty, without the need for employment or prior permission.

Provisional Article 28: Those who benefit from the amnesty regulations without leaving the country will be given a 60-day Visitor Permit. Those who want to obtain a work permit during this period will be exempt from the preliminary permit process.

Provisional Article 29: Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 25 of foreigners who benefit from the amnesty regulations will be able to obtain a 60-day visa without penalty.

Provisional Article 30: Persons under the age of 18 will be exempt from fines, provided that at least one of their parents is a TRNC citizen.

Provisional Article 31: People who will benefit from the law will be required to have no negative record in terms of public security.

NOTE: Amnesty has not be introduced yet. It will only become law and active when the parliament and president approves it. No time frame has been given for this.