Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

I have just read the above and I'm more confused than I have ever been.

Enlighten me please I dont subscribe to BRS.

I read it to about exemptions for over 60s yes very confusing

I will say it again….. if the BRS have sent this information to their members then why do they not circulate it more widely?

Residency is not the solely confined to BRS members. All “ex pats” whatever country they are from have an interest in this information. It affects us all.

I simply do not understand this “keeping it for our members only” attitude. Why does this happen?

If I have misunderstood something, please enlighten me.

In the meantime hopefully a helpful member here on Kibkom will share the information.

I am with you Posh! I am a BRS member till my membership runs out but won’t pass on any information from them as I do not trust it myself. Totally against the idea of discounts obtained from people/businesses in a country that is fighting for survival and refuse to accept them whenever offered. How highly the local population must think of us planning summer balls when they are scratching for enough money to eat. Beyond me I am afraid to say.

File Attached

tutor4u wrote: ↑

Thu 12 Aug 2021 2:51 pm

File AttachedBritish Residents Society Information Relating to the TRNC Foreign National and Immigration Law May 2021 .pdf

Thank you for sharing.

No idea why the BRS would keep this for members only as clearly it affects all ex pats and should in my opinion be widely circulated.

It’s not an easy read and does need further clarification/confirmation which hopefully will be forthcoming over the next few months. It very much depends on personal circumstances as to which option might be applicable.

I read it yesterday and couldn't get my head around it. I thought this bit is real helpful.

PLEASE DO NOT ASK A SERIES OF QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS AMENDMENT AS THE DOCUMENT CONTAINS AS MUCH INFORMATION AS WE KNOW SO WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO EXPAND THE DETAIL ANY FURTHER.

PinD. If you want access to all the information gleaned from reliable sources by the BRS then join the organisation and pay the meagre annual subscription. In recent times in particular they have offered invaluable assistance and advice to the members. It’s your prerogative to be critical of them, but you are in the minority.

Waddo. If you don’t want discounts then carry on paying top price. The summer ball is always over subscribed, so if you don’t want to attend that’s ok because someone else can. Your vision that the local populace are all unable to find enough money to eat doesn’t ring true either, although I know some will be struggling. Most of the BMWs and Mercs are owned by the local populace. Rant over

Silverfur, Rant away, I am used to it. At least you got my name right this time - but then there is always a first time for everything. I will carry on paying a fair price and have no interest in joining any large groups to drink and dance, far more to live for than that. As for the local populace owning most of the BMWs and Mercs, what about the populace that is not local or don't they count because they only have tractors???

Anyway, no point in poking it with a stick, everyone has their own opinion.

silverfir wrote: ↑

Thu 12 Aug 2021 6:36 pm

PinD. If you want access to all the information gleaned from reliable sources by the BRS then join the organisation and pay the meagre annual subscription. In recent times in particular they have offered invaluable assistance and advice to the members. It’s your prerogative to be critical of them, but you are in the minority.

Waddo. If you don’t want discounts then carry on paying top price. The summer ball is always over subscribed, so if you don’t want to attend that’s ok because someone else can. Your vision that the local populace are all unable to find enough money to eat doesn’t ring true either, although I know some will be struggling. Most of the BMWs and Mercs are owned by the local populace. Rant over

Firstly the stock answer always seems to be, pay to join the BRS and you will have access to the members only area” like it was some sort of holy grail of secret information. We have owned a property for over 10 years and have always found all the information, guidance and advice without the need to join or access a members area. The amount to join is of no consequence but if we ever considered joining I would want to know what I was paying for and the benefits.

As for being critical, I stand by what I posted. I see absolutely no reason in holding back or hiding information in a “members only area” as if it was only applicable to BRS members. This in my opinion happens far to often and I am unsure why it is done. If the information affects all expats; not just British, but from any country then it should be in the public domain.

Indeed there are other organisations, associations and social media groups who go out of there way to share information around residency, travel, crossing to and from the ROC, documentation requirements etc. I know of at least one organisation who go to great lengths to ensure the information they publish is reliable and only obtained from official sources.

It is not my intention to dismiss the BRS or it’s members. If it’s organised functions at a reduced cost, gathering with fellow countrymen, discounts, hands on help or face to face advice then fine. I understand some would feel that this is a benefit worth paying for.

I know BRS members who willingly share BRS newsletters and communications with non members so it rather makes a mockery of the whole exercise. So please enlighten me; why should we join, I really am interested to know. Also why do the BRS seek to hold information back that affects everyone when other organisations pro actively and openly offer advice and guidance.

“I don't want to belong to a club that would have me as a member”
- Groucho Marx ( a variant quote)

If you sign up for Ex Pats Consultancys news letter you can read it for free.

Well I for one will just renew mine in the normal way when it becomes due.

Well I will not post the email here but the BRS have just sent one out to members to say that anything they put out to members is their intellectual property and anyone who copies it elsewhere will have their access to the Facebook group, emails and members area removed under their Information Sharing Regulations 2021. See if I get contacted about posting this on here.

Chriswright03 wrote: ↑

Fri 13 Aug 2021 8:26 am

Well I will not post the email here but the BRS have just sent one out to members to say that anything they put out to members is their intellectual property and anyone who copies it elsewhere will have their access to the Facebook group, emails and members area removed under their Information Sharing Regulations 2021. See if I get contacted about posting this on here.

Thanks for this.

A shot across the bows from the BRS. If someone posts the information on a public forum then of course the BRS could take action. A little draconian perhaps tho.

However; there is absolutely no way they can stop this happening. For those sharing via email, messenger, WhatsApp etc they have nil control or influence.

All foreigners are “guests” in the TRNC and we should not only remember this, but also be working together to share information which affects us all. The BRS; in my opinion, should not be acting as if they are more “privy” to information or have more influence.

Organisations such as the BRS rely on there membership and new members joining. Prior to joining any organisation I would want to know what I was signing up to, the benefits of membership and finally the cost. If necessary I would question how they operate and provide constructive feedback. I am not sure that questioning is something that the organisation easily embraces.

This latest email to members makes this very clear. However; I wish the organisation well.

waddo wrote: ↑

Fri 13 Aug 2021 9:39 am

https://cyprusscene.com/

Thanks for sharing.

Apparently the position is as follows;

Those of 60 years and above who were here before 12.5.2021 who had not yet applied, do not have to apply for a residence permit if they do not wish to do so.

This relaxation of the immigration rules applies until 12.5.23

The same age group is free to leave and re-enter the TRNC until 12.5 23 without having to worry about a visa ie not worry about exceeding 90 days in 180.

3 above means that you will NOT be fined.

Those of you over 60 who drive a vehicle here WILL need to apply for a residence permit because you need that to obtain a driving licence.

If you do not apply for your temporary residence permit, you will not subsequently be eligible to apply for permanent residence as you will not have the requisite temporary permits permits.

Many thanks for that information, it is much appreciated. Just for clarification, do you know whether this rule is only applicable to Ex Pat residents or does it apply equally to "Swallows"?

Kanonier wrote: ↑

Sat 14 Aug 2021 7:09 am

Many thanks for that information, it is much appreciated. Just for clarification, do you know whether this rule is only applicable to Ex Pat residents or does it apply equally to "Swallows"?

Are you asking me?
The info I posted was what I thought was the relevant bit of an email I received from expats consultancy.
Below is the whole email for anyone to pick the bones out of

Immigration legislation and changes to it have caused confusion for the last few years because of how poorly worded it has been. This has resulted in much criticism from Turkish Cypriot Bar members who said that it was confusing in Turkish, let alone then trying to explain what wasn't clear in Turkish into English.

Regrettably, the changes that came into effect from 12 May 2021 have again caused confusion and disagreement among lawyers as to what some sections of it actually mean.

Clients that use our services have been advised of any changes that affect them.

Equally, our clients know that we have an excellent working relationship with the Immigration Police and the Immigrtion Department in Lefkosa.

There have many rumours flying around facebook regarding the advice that Iskele Police were giving to those over 60 in the last few weeks. We were aware of this advice as we work with them on a daily basis. The advice people were given was correct and I will elaborate below.

It seems however, that some expats have taken it upon themselves to disbelieve the advice of the police and challenge it through other channels.

We have deliberately stayed out of the rumours because we believe in giving factual, non conflicting advice and information..

The advice below is therefore based on discussions with the relevant Immigration Police, our interpretation of the rules as lawyers and meetings with other officials.

To avoid any further confusion, the position is as follows:

Those of 60 years and above who were here before 12.5.2021 who had not yet applied, do not have to apply for a residence permit if they do not wish to do so.

This relaxation of the immigration rules applies until 12.5.23

The same age group is free to leave and re-enter the TRNC until 12.5 23 without having to worry about a visa ie not worry about exceeding 90 days in 180.

3 above means that you will NOT be fined.

Those of you over 60 who drive a vehicle here WILL need to apply for a residence permit because you need that to obtain a driving licence.

If you do not apply for your temporary residence permit, you will not subsequently be eligible to apply for permanent residence as you will not have the requisite temporary permits permits.

This information may change again and cannot be taken as advice for your particular situation. If you wish to be sure of what you should do; you should seek independent legal advice.

Furthermore, you do not need to apply for residency to be covered by state emergency health insurance. Private emergency health insurance available through Zirve insurance covers you for state and private hospitals.

We are aware that anxiety levels are high and that people will be sharing this information among Facebook pages. Whilst we have no objection to you doing so, we ask that you do not then state that this is not what others are saying if you are sharing it. Who people seek advice from is their choice. We have offered the information and it is for individuals to decide how they wish to proceed.

This newsletter would not be complete without a particular mention to İskele Police Immigration who do their utmost to keep the public informed. Without these officers, those of us on the front line, doing the work,would have a much harder time.

We are happy to offer consultations to those who wish to discuss their own situation with us.

Have read this, plus read the early BRS missive and as our Residency ran out just over a week ago, I really must make up my mind asap. Its a bit disconcerting though to read that it could change again with tweeks here and there. The line regarding the possibility of not having sufficient residency stamps in Passports to apply for Permanent Residency, makes me smile. Twice since we have lived in the TRNC we have had sufficient stamps, only to have the government of day move the goalposts.

What does 'here before 12.5.21' actually mean? We have been visiting our villa for several weeks at a time for many years. We, being over 60 haven't applied for residency. Are we classed as 'here before 12.5.21'? We have TRNC driving licences, can we renew without having residency? If we can't, are we legal in driving our TRNC car on our UK licences?

It's worth considering that these points come from -
"....an email I received from expats consultancy."
In the email, this sentence should be noted -"The advice below is therefore based on discussions with the relevant Immigration Police, our interpretation of the rules as lawyers and meetings with other officials."
It is not the actual government statement but rather a view and interpretation of statements from a variety of sources, provided by a business - note the closing sentence - "We are happy to offer consultations to those who wish to discuss their own situation with us."

We don't have to renew residency until end of December this year. I renew TRNC driving licence in November under current residency, anyone see where I'm going with this?

Regardless, having read the govt document it appears we can apply for exempt residency status and still be covered to get licences etc whilst saving a few sponduliks, am I correct sir? (Just watched the Thirty-nine Steps for the 39th time).

I think we are on the same page, I was just going to start a thread asking if anyone had applied for the exemption online yet.

Just renewed residency, two years c.1000 TL . Approximately 0.83p Stg per week.

frontalman wrote: ↑

Wed 25 Aug 2021 1:55 pm

We don't have to renew residency until end of December this year. I renew TRNC driving licence in November under current residency, anyone see where I'm going with this?

Reminds me of years ago when I was taking some Americans to Heathrow to catch a plane home. They really needed to catch the first tube to Heathrow time wise and if there were ticket machines they weren’t working. Anyhow the ticket office opened up 15 minutes after the first tube left and they wouldn’t be allowed on the tube without a ticket.

A friend of mine has just come out. He is a property owner and was only given a 30 day visa when he crossed the border. He is in his seventies and will be staying until early October, so around 40 days in total. He was told at the border to go to the police station to get an extension. Does the new concession to over sixties that they do not have to get residency, affect over sixties coming for a holiday or visit of up to 90 days? and if not, why not?

jofra wrote: ↑

Thu 19 Aug 2021 3:18 pm

It is not the actual government statement but rather a view and interpretation of statements from a variety of sources, provided by a business - note the closing sentence - "We are happy to offer consultations to those who wish to discuss their own situation with us."

Sure they are a business but a business who’s advice has generally been accurate imo.
I have no skin in the game here. I have never used their services or know anyone involved in the business. I signed up for free emails and receive them with some helpful advice. obviously at some point I guess hey hope to convert me to a customer. To be even more blunt I did think of using their residency help but found the charges a little high for what they were doing and not particularly transparent, as in its x amount an hour but we can’t say how many hours it will take.

This is compared with the BRS who give themselves an official sounding title but will not generally share information in the public domain to anyone outside their members.

The $64,000 question is always is the information accurate not “well yes their evidence is 100% accurate and I can’t attack it on scientific grounds so I will say but but they received a $100 grant from an oil company.”