Residents of TRNC demand stricter entry control and systematic registration of foreign citizens

According to Gündem Kıbrıs, on 2 September 2025, a number of TRNC residents called on Interior Minister Dursun Oğuz to tighten border control and systematically register all foreigners on the island. Interviewees stated that they associate the rise in crime with the increasing number of third-country nationals and insufficient monitoring of those entering as "students" or "tourists".

The respondents insist on abolishing the practice of entry with ID cards (kimlikle giriş), tightening entry and exit procedures, reviewing the criteria for citizenship, and conducting a general population census. Some respondents noted that media reports mentioned overcrowding in the new central prison and a high share of prisoners from third countries; they propose verifying these data and using them to shape migration policy.

Some comments included proposals to strengthen control over the allocation of agricultural plots and verify appointments to public institutions. For TRNC residents, possible consequences of such measures include stricter checks at border points, enhanced migration control of students and tourists, and the risk of deportation if work permits are lacking.

No official comment from Minister Oğuz regarding these appeals had been received at the time of publication.