Deportation Reasons in Turkey

Turkey, known for its warm hospitality, has become a preferred destination for both tourists and expatriates. With favorable laws and appealing living standards, many have chosen to make Turkey their home. While the country has robust laws protecting its citizens and the nation, it's crucial to be aware of and comply with the regulations governing entry and residence to avoid potential fines or deportation.

The documents required to enter Turkey are:

-A valid passport.

- Visa.

- Accommodation reservation.

- Reasons for entry.

- Funds to support oneself during their time in the country.

This blog will shed light on the deportation of foreigners in Turkey, how to avoid the entry ban and how to apply for asylum in Turkey.  

In Turkey, the Ministry of International Affairs is responsible for the deportation and uses Law No. 6458 on foreigners and international protection.

Reasons for Deportation from Turkey

1.    Submitting false documents during entry (Law 56 on Foreigners and International Protection).

2.    Entering Turkey despite an entry ban.

3.    Overstaying a visa for more than ten days.

4.    Involvement with a criminal organization, engaging in illegitimate means of making a living, or being a supporter or member of a terrorist group.

5.    Working in Turkey without a required work permit.

6.    Poses a threat to public health and public security.

7.    Cancellation of a residence permit.

8.    Failure to depart from Turkey within ten days when a residence permit renewal application has been refused.

Deportation Process in Turkey

The governor's office oversees the deportation process for the individual in question, conducting a meticulous review of their documents. In addition to the factors mentioned earlier, the assessment considers:

1.    The risk of escape or disappearance.

2.    Violations of the rules governing entry or exit to Turkey.

3.    Failure to exit Turkey within the specified timeframe.

These criteria play a crucial role in determining the necessity and execution of the deportation process.

After a comprehensive review, foreign nationals awaiting departure from Turkey receive a designated timeframe to exit the country. When there are no counterfeit documents or breaches of legal entry or exit regulations, individuals may be granted a maximum of 30 days to leave, facilitated through the issuance of an exit permit.

Should an individual be served a summons for deportation, they retain the right to secure legal representation and challenge the deportation decision within a 15-day window. Throughout this period, the person is permitted to remain in Turkey until the court delivers its verdict. The court's decision is expected within the same 15-day timeframe, and whatever judgment is issued by the court is considered final.

Where is the Visa Violation Penalty Paid in Turkey?

In Turkey, the penalty for visa violations is settled at dedicated visa violation offices located in airports with international terminals. The penalty amount is determined based on the duration of the expiration of a foreigner's visa or residence permit. To prevent facing deportation penalties, it is essential to pay the visa violation penalty upon exiting Turkey. Seeking professional advice is highly recommended to mitigate the risk of a long-term entry ban for foreigners.

Can I Pay My Visa Violation Penalty Without Exit from Turkey?

The payment of a visa violation penalty is a mandatory requirement upon exiting the country. Failure to pay this penalty results in the issuance of a five-year entry ban to Turkey for individuals who exit without settling the required fees.

Applying for Asylum in Turkey

An asylum seeker is an individual who departs their home country to seek refuge and protection in another nation. This decision is often driven by the fear of persecution and other human rights violations. In Turkey, foreign nationals are safeguarded by laws such as the Foreign and International Protection (2013) and Temporary Protection Regulation (2014). The country upholds the belief that everyone possesses the right to seek asylum, as endorsed by the UN Refugee Agency Turkiye (UNHCR).

At present, Turkey holds the distinction of hosting the largest number of refugees globally, with 3.7 million Syrians granted temporary protection and an additional 320,000 refugees and asylum-seekers receiving international protection. Turkish law extends protection to individuals unable to return to their home countries due to the risk of persecution based on factors such as nationality, gender, religion, political opinion, armed conflict, and race.

How to Register for Asylum in Turkey

To initiate the asylum registration process, individuals must visit UNHCR's Registration Center in Ankara. This center is managed by a Turkish NGO called ASAM-SGDD. Upon arrival, applicants will undergo inquiries about the reasons for leaving their country of origin and provide details about their identity. Subsequently, after addressing questions regarding the decision not to return to their home country, the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) will also evaluate the issues and reasons prompting individuals to seek asylum.

The Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) conducts a comprehensive assessment, considering the overall situation in your home country and the challenges faced by individuals with a profile similar to yours. If you are part of a family, the decision will apply uniformly to all family members. The processing time for the application may extend up to six months or more. Throughout their stay, applicants will be issued an International Protection ID number, affording them access to services and rights within Turkey.

In the event of a positive decision, the individual is permitted to stay in Turkey without facing deportation. Conversely, if the decision is unfavorable, there is an option to appeal to the International Protection Evaluation Commission (IPEC) within a ten-day window. Failure to initiate this appeal within the stipulated period will result in the acceptance of the negative outcome as the final decision.