Illegal migrants of Northern Cyprus can legalize without punishment

Northern Cyprus or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has announced an amnesty for illegal migrants. It is important for the authorities that foreigners who live in the country illegally register.

The amnesty applies to everyone who has lived in the TRNC since January 1, 2021.

Why did the authorities declare a migration amnesty

Recently, the use of illegal migrant labor has become a significant problem. Illegal labor is used very actively in the country, while there is an acute shortage of legal labor in the territory of Northern Cyprus. Thanks to the amnesty, companies that need employees and do not use illegal labor will be able to hire legalized employees, rather than attract foreign workers from abroad.

Currently, many illegal immigrants are afraid to apply for legal status, and illegal work is associated with many risks, including for the workers themselves, who can be exploited and forced into slave labor. Therefore, the migration amnesty, according to the authorities, should make the country safer.

What is needed to legalize

Every illegal migrant who wants to register their presence in the country must register on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the TRNC. Each application will be additionally approved by employees of the Ministry of Labor.

In addition to registration, migrants are required to legalize as follows:

• Pay a registration fee;
• Find an official job;
• Contact the Ministry of Labor and register as hired workers.

What happens if you do not legalize

If you do not legalize within 60 days, all illegal workers will have to pay large fines.

According to Interior Minister Dursun Oguz, more than 70 people applied on the first day after the program was announced. Now the authorities will be more strict with illegal immigrants, and if they are found, they will deport them from the country.