Amendments on Foreigners and Immigration Law

Amendments have been implemented to the Foreigners and Immigration Law.

The Foreigners and Immigration (Amendment) draft law that was published in the Official Gazette has been presented to the public.

Views and suggestions regarding the content of the law can be submitted in writing to the Presidency of the Assembly within twenty days following the publication of the drafts in the Official Gazette.

The main reason for amendments being made to the Foreigners and Immigration Law was for those overstaying their visitor, residency, business or work permit visa in North Cyprus and having to pay a penalty of the daily minimum wage for every day following the expiry of their permit.

If the fine was not paid entry is prohibited.

This issue is causing an increase in unregistered workers in North Cyprus as many foreigners especially those with family ties do not leave the country to avoid paying the fine.

The regulation has been prepared to eliminate the social problems experienced by foreigners that do not leave the country or do not return to the country to avoid paying the high-cost fines.

Accordingly, foreign nationals who have not abided by the relevant permits or have received a fine for not extending their expired permits will be able to pay the monthly minimum wage and will not be held liable for the remaining penalty.

Changes have also been made to the legal amendment as of the implementation date for those who are prohibited from entering the country or those who are illegally residing in the country and have left and will return to the country to pay the monthly minimum wage.