Student arrested for living in north Cyprus without a residence permit said he wanted to return to his country and was penniless

A student who was arrested after being found to have been living in north Cyprus without a residence permit since 2018, said he lost his father, was penniless, could not continue school and wanted to go back to his country. 

The individual, J.A, a student in north Cyprus was arrested in Gönyeli for staying in the country without a residency permit and brought to court on Thursday morning.

Police said that on November 27, J.A was stopped for a routine ID check by Crime Prevention Unit patrols. A subsequent immigration check revealed that he had been living without a residency permit for 2,190 days, since November 29, 2018.

The police confirmed that he was arrested on the spot, and an investigation was initiated. The officer also noted that further inquiries about his status in Northern Cyprus would be conducted with the Ministry of Interior, requesting one day of detention for the suspect.

Speaking in court, JA explained his situation, stating that he: he lost his father, leaving him financially stranded, could no longer continue his education, lost his passport and had no money, food, or shelter, misses his mother and wants to return to his home country.

The judge, after reviewing the testimony, ordered that he should remain in custody for one day as the investigation continues.