The TRNC government has prepared a draft law on amnesty for foreigners

The TRNC government has submitted a draft law to the Assembly of the Republic, proposing comprehensive immigration amnesty for foreigners residing in the country without permission. The new resolution aims to alleviate the challenges faced by foreign citizens living on the island.

The draft law, which outlines immigration amnesty for foreigners residing in the country without permission, has been published in the "Official Gazette."

The document offers significant benefits and amnesty for foreign citizens who cannot afford to pay high fines for violating immigration laws.

It's noted that the inability of foreign citizens to enter and exit the country due to hefty fines has led to an increase in undocumented residency and family separations. The amnesty document is expected to address this issue.

Those who have obtained work permits at least twice since 2021 and those who have been fined can take advantage of the amnesty.

According to a temporary provision of the law, foreigners residing in the country without permission can avoid the remaining fines by applying online within 45 days and paying a fine equal to the minimum gross wage.

Foreigners with arrest or deportation orders will be exempt from these decisions and can obtain a 60-day extension of their stay by applying online within 45 days and paying the required fine.

Foreigners abroad who are banned from entering the country will be exempt from the remaining fines if they enter with prior permission after finding employment and paying a fine equal to the minimum gross wage at the time of entry.

Students applying for university education, spouses, and children of TRNC citizens can obtain a 60-day visitation permit by paying a fine without needing employment or prior permission.

Those who avail themselves of the amnesty rules without leaving the country will be granted a 60-day stay permit. Those seeking a work permit during this period will be exempt from the procedure for obtaining prior permission.

Spouses and unmarried children of foreigners under 25 years old covered by the amnesty rules can obtain a 60-day visa without penalty sanctions.

Individuals under 18 years old will be exempt from fines provided that at least one of their parents is a citizen of the TRNC.

People eligible for amnesty should not have a negative reputation in terms of public safety.

It is expected that the draft law will be considered and approved by the parliament in the near future.

Read more:

What is the fine for overstaying a visa?

Where to pay the fine for overstaying a visa?

Minimum wage in Northern Cyprus