Amnesty
Posted: Wed 27 May 2026 10:39 am
President Tufan Erhürman has officially published the Immigration Amnesty Law in the Official Gazette, bringing the legislation into force.
The “Foreigners and Immigration (Amendment) Law,” which was approved by majority vote in the Republic’s Assembly on May 18, 2026, introduces a new legal framework allowing certain foreign nationals residing in the country without authorization to reapply for legal status under specific conditions.
Under the new regulation, individuals who overstayed their visas and accumulated fines for remaining in the country illegally will be able to benefit from the amnesty by applying through the Immigration Department’s online system within 45 days and paying a penalty equivalent to the current monthly gross minimum wage.
The law also allows foreign nationals who have deportation orders against them but could not be removed from the country for various reasons to submit applications. Applications will be evaluated by the General Directorate of Police in terms of public order and security.
Foreign nationals who are first-degree relatives of TRNC citizens or legal permit holders, as well as those who own registered immovable property in the country, will also be eligible to apply for re-entry under certain conditions.
Special provisions were also included for students. Students who were deported or banned from entering the country after their student permits expired may reapply through the universities where they were last enrolled. Applications from students who can document that they completed at least 50 percent of their academic obligations will be considered.
The law further states that individuals applying without leaving the country may be granted a 60-day residence permit. Those who apply for a work permit within this period will be exempt from preliminary permit procedures.
According to the legislation, the Immigration Department must finalize domestic applications within five days and overseas applications within 30 days.
Contact @cyprusnews247 on WhatsApp to Apply
The “Foreigners and Immigration (Amendment) Law,” which was approved by majority vote in the Republic’s Assembly on May 18, 2026, introduces a new legal framework allowing certain foreign nationals residing in the country without authorization to reapply for legal status under specific conditions.
Under the new regulation, individuals who overstayed their visas and accumulated fines for remaining in the country illegally will be able to benefit from the amnesty by applying through the Immigration Department’s online system within 45 days and paying a penalty equivalent to the current monthly gross minimum wage.
The law also allows foreign nationals who have deportation orders against them but could not be removed from the country for various reasons to submit applications. Applications will be evaluated by the General Directorate of Police in terms of public order and security.
Foreign nationals who are first-degree relatives of TRNC citizens or legal permit holders, as well as those who own registered immovable property in the country, will also be eligible to apply for re-entry under certain conditions.
Special provisions were also included for students. Students who were deported or banned from entering the country after their student permits expired may reapply through the universities where they were last enrolled. Applications from students who can document that they completed at least 50 percent of their academic obligations will be considered.
The law further states that individuals applying without leaving the country may be granted a 60-day residence permit. Those who apply for a work permit within this period will be exempt from preliminary permit procedures.
According to the legislation, the Immigration Department must finalize domestic applications within five days and overseas applications within 30 days.
Contact @cyprusnews247 on WhatsApp to Apply