Bangladeshi national detained for illegally living in the TRNC for 6 years

A Bangladeshi national who was arrested for living illegally in the TRNC for six years, was brought to court on Wednesday.

The suspect named only as MKU was identified and arrested on Tuesday August 6 when he visited the Immigration Department of the Lefkosia Police Department to obtain an entry-exit document.

He was brought before the Lefkosa district court on Wednesday.

Police said that the suspect, who came to the Immigration Department of the Lefkosia Police Department to obtain an entry-exit document on August 6, 2024, was arrested after it was discovered during the immigration check that he had been in the country without a residence permit since November 11, 2019. 

Police stated that an investigation was conducted by the Ministry of Interior regarding the suspect and that it was confirmed that he was living in the country without a residence permit. 

Police stated that the investigation was completed, that the suspect was a Bangladeshi citizen who had no legal ties to the TRNC, and requested that he be sent to prison.

The judge asked the suspect that since he had been living in the TRNC for six years without a residence permit, how did he support himself. The suspect claimed that he worked in day jobs. However, the judge stated that it was not possible to find a day job and survive for six years and that the suspect was not telling the truth.

The judge ordered the suspect to be remanded in custody for a period not exceeding 15 days until his case is heard.