TRNC Parliament approves 'immigration amnesty' for migration regime violators

The General Assembly of the TRNC Parliament passed amendments to the Aliens and Immigration Law by a majority vote, providing for yet another 'immigration amnesty.' The authorities state that the measure aims to combat illegal migration and bring unregistered residents out of the shadows, but the opposition has heavily criticized the decision.

Minister of Interior Dursun Oğuz emphasized that the amnesty applies exclusively to immigration violations and does not extend to individuals who have committed criminal offenses. According to him, the goal of the initiative is to reduce the scale of illegal residence and strengthen control over the migration system.

Under the new rules, foreigners with expired visas and permits will be able to regularize their stay subject to certain conditions. The authorities also hope to reduce the costs associated with the deportation of irregular migrants.

Opposition MPs stated that such amnesties have become a regular practice and undermine public trust in state institutions. Independent MP Ayşegül Baybars called the law an 'amnesty for everyone,' noting that it virtually encourages illegal stay in the country. According to her, similar measures have already been implemented six times in the last four years.

Representatives of the Republican Turkish Party also criticized the government, citing weak immigration control, the absence of a digital tracking system, and the growth of the shadow economy. MP Ürün Solyalı stated that the state spends around 71,000 Turkish Liras to deport a single person, which, in his view, forces the authorities to declare regular amnesties.

During the debates, concerns regarding security, the granting of citizenship, and the coordination of migration policy with Turkey were also raised. Minister Oğuz rejected allegations that control over the system had been lost and stated that authorities continue to work on creating a unified digital database for migration records.