Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Went to police station got form for hospital, went to hospital paid 135tl for tests, was then given a map with directions to kyrenia medical centre where blood was taken and a jab for TB, was then told to pick up results on thursday and take to state hospital, and on monday to again return to the state hospital to pick up envelope with result inside. Went back to police station where the young policemans phone rang and he decided that his mate was more important to laugh with than attend me so stood there 25mins, this will deffo be my last time doing residency again after 15 yrs.

So, what will you do next year then?

We know exactly which policeman you are referring to as that also happened to us one year. The last time we went, he came out into the passageway saw there were only 3 or 4 people waiting and so strolled off to get a cup of coffee even though he should have been behind his counter working. Thank god we are both now over 60 and don't have to put up with that rudeness again as no need to go to the Police Station any longer.

Waddo
To be honest i will wait until next year, as thinking about leaving cyprus.

solic200, I know its a pain but after 15 years of doing it - even in the dark days of taking hours in the ques at the police station only to be told its closed till tomorrow - please dont give up (unless there are other reasons of course) just because of another hicup in the system (well it is supposed to be a system). Out of the 365 days a year we have to spend doing whatever it is we want to do, I give up 2 days (1 in Girne and 1 in Lefkosia) to do my residency, its no big thing and I treat them both as a day out so I can chuckle at the lack of organisation here. I have only been doing this for 7 years but have found that a blinding smile is my best defence against the face of stupidity and officialdom!!! It causes great confusion when I simply say "Oh well I will come back tomorrow, will you still be in this job then?" It is all a damn site easier than dealing with the HMRC over the phone!! Good luck but think hard before you leave, unless you have something to back to!

I think you need to take a deep breath when dealing with any government office here. But my husband renewed his just last week. Less than 5 minutes in the police station, medical done in 10. Back for tb check, less than 5 , collected results Tuesday after bayram, 3rd in line, out in 5. Everyone helpful, informed and professional. Purely luck of the draw I think.

I have had some horrendous experiences with my residency over the 12 years of being here some years the powers that be in Lefkosa immigration refusing to give me more than 6 months ? with no logical reason as to why apart from my age (well under 60) not to mention the countless times the police have treated my like I just stepped out of a space ship ? Anyway just been to immigration in Lefkosa to get my yearly stamp I was in and out in 8 minutes ! Is this a world record ?

The residency application is well past it's sell by date and needs to have a major overhaul, after five years or so of residency stamps/applications it should be a simple formality getting residency not a major task it seriously puts of people investing anything in the north, it has me, I will not invest anymore money here while this residency application is so hit and mis.

So many ex-pats have left the north it's noticeable and not doing the economy any good at all, let's hope that they get somebody in the government with a bit of vision (brains) to change and stop this residency farce before everyone gets sick of it and leaves.

Has anybody heard anything about permanent residency lately, just wondering if it as back on the go again they did say a few months ago it maybe back on the cards next year?

This morning, armed with all necessary paperwork for residency renewal (under 60's - just!) Wife went to Girne police station, went to State Hospital and paid her 135TL, got receipt and came away with chit and directions to clinic. Went to clinic and had blood test and other under the skin test, told to come back on Saturday for "control". Went back to police station with a replacement document for final checking - my fault, I had given her an out of date document in error!

She saw Hassan who rechecked everything and asked her where I was this year. He is over 60 she said and will go to Lefkosia for his. Hassan asked if I was driving, my wife said yes. He asked if I was renewing my residency, my wife said yes. Hassan said good, because you need your stamp to get your driving licence!!!! Straight from the horses mouth people - the police have said so!

I think the point about the way expats are treated in general and the numbers who have packed up and left is a very fair one and true. It does the TRNC no favours either reputation wise or investment wise and not just with UK nationals. Local government workers don't take the effects of their actions into account as they are not affected in any way and the less people the less work they may have to do. Politicians don't care either as non nationals can't vote.

Update. Today wife went back to clinic a showed her arm to the girl on the desk, was told to go to State Hospital on Thursday to collect her sealed results so we guess all is well! Next stop will be in Sep at Lefkosia.

I know its not on the thread of under 60's doing residency, but would like to add positive vibe.
We are over 60 but chose to still pay residency[best to be safe attitude]
Got out of car by relevant lefkosia office at 10am thursday, armed with copies of all necessary paper work. Went to residence room, empty.Given form to stand and fill in, then form to go and pay.Back to cafe for 2 ..10tl stamps,back to office, passports stamped all finished.Lady very pleasant and helpfull. Got back in car 10.20.

Good news! It gets better all the time - well, 90% of the time anyway!

E-mail just received today from BRS. The rules regarding renewing driving licence have NOT changed and a Muhtars letter is still acceptable for over 60's. Chairman (David Brown) has been to the office this week for confirmation. Any problems to ask for the manager Ibrahim and mention David's name.
sorry posted under wrong topic,will repost