Immigration Law

I Over-Stayed in Turkey, Will I Be Deported? - Turkish Deportation Rules

Find the Turkish version of this article: Türkiye'de Kaçak Kaldım, Sınırdışı Edilir Miyim?

You may fall into illegal status in Turkey for various reasons, such as the expiration of your visa or residence permit, the rejection of a new residence permit application, or submitting the wrong type of application. Remaining in Turkey beyond your permitted stay can lead to different consequences depending on your nationality and the length of your overstay. So, if you have exceeded your legal stay in Turkey, what steps should you take, and what are the possible consequences of staying illegally?

Foreigners who overstay,enter or exit Turkey illegally or commit an offense that requires deportation may be taken to an immigration detention (deportation) center. These centers function under conditions similar to detention facilities. Once a foreign national is placed in a deportation center, the authorities prepare their file before starting the deportation process. Being taken to a deportation center does not automatically mean deportation, but it is a common measure applied when there are strong suspicions against the individual. If the necessary legal steps to stop or cancel the deportation decision are not taken in time, the foreigner may be deported and issued an entry ban to Turkey.

1- Why Are Foreigners Taken to a Deportation Center?

The main reasons for being placed in a deportation center include:

• Violation of visa or residence permit regulations
• Issuance of a deportation order
• Rejection of an international protection, asylum, or refugee application
• Suspicion of committing an offense requiring deportation
• Other reasons

For foreigners taken to a deportation center, it is crucial to determine the reason for detention, file objections against the detention decision, and effectively monitor the legal process. Various legal remedies are available for securing release. However, as each case has unique circumstances, a detailed review of the foreigner's case file at the deportation center is necessary before determining the appropriate legal course of action. Based on meetings with the detained foreigner and the case review, the most suitable legal steps are taken. If an application is submitted to our law office, a power of attorney is issued through a notary on behalf of the detained foreigner, and the legal process is meticulously handled. A detailed analysis of the foreigner’s case file at the deportation center is conducted, and necessary legal steps are taken to maximize the possibility of release. The issuance of a power of attorney also allows legal proceedings to be carried out to enable the foreigner to legally re-enter Turkey in the event of deportation.

2- What Is a Deport Center? Why Are Foreigners Taken There?

Deport Centers are facilities operated by the Directorate General of Migration Management, where foreigners who exceed their legal stay, violate visa regulations, or are suspected of committing a deportable offense are detained. Foreigners remain in these centers until their deportation process is completed. Deport centers are located in various cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Izmir, Aydın, and Kayseri. In Istanbul, there are two major Deport centers: Arnavutköy Deport Center, Çatalca Deport Center

3- How Can Foreigners Be Released from a Deport Center?

Common legal grounds for securing release from a Deport center include:

• Ensuring the release of the detained foreigner by depositing a specific bond amount.
• Proving the existence of individuals who depend on the foreigner's care.
• Proving the existence of force majeure circumstances.
• Demonstrating that the foreigner may suffer harm if deported.
• The foreigner being acquitted in a criminal case.
• Other reasons.

If these conditions are met, legal applications can be submitted to court to request the termination of detention and the release of the foreigner from the Deport center. Additionally, if the foreigner was placed in the Deport center due to an alleged criminal offense, their release can be sought by closely monitoring the criminal case through experienced attorneys.

4- Turkish Deportation Rules

Consequences of Deportation:

Entry Ban to Türkiye (for up to 5 years or permanently, depending on the case)

Administrative fines

Residence permit cancellation

Detention in a deportation center (can last up to a year-depending on the situation)

If you face any of these situations, it is crucial to properly manage the legal process to protect your rights, including securing release, obtaining legal permission to stay in Turkey, or ensuring legal re-entry after deportation. Seeking legal assistance from an experienced attorney is essential to navigate these procedures effectively. We strongly advise against overstaying your visa or residence permit in Turkey. Such violations can lead to:

• Long-term entry bans
• Fines and penalties
• Detention in a Deport center

- You can find - Deport Centers List In Istanbul in our article. Turkish Version of the article- Geri Gönderme Merkezleri Listesi.

- You can find A Detailed Legal Guide for Foreigners Who Have Been Detained or Arrested in Turkey in our article. Turkish Version of the article- Türkiye'de Gözaltına Alınan veya Tutuklanan Yabancılar İçin Detaylı Hukuki Rehber.

- You can find Digital Nomad Visa - How To Apply? - FAQ in our article.

Legal Process

If you have fallen into illegal status in Turkey or if a close relative has been taken to a Deport center, you must act immediately due to the strict time limits governing deportation procedures. Failure to handle and monitor the legal process properly may result in: Deportation orders, Entry bans, Administrative fines, Legal disadvantages despite different factual circumstances

To avoid loss of rights and unnecessary legal consequences, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from an expert attorney without delay.

Why Choose Tigin & Gençer?

At the beginning of the legal process, a client-attorney agreement is signed, guaranteeing that the case will be handled with diligence, responsibility, and professionalism.

• The legal process and its stages are communicated to the client, and any legal developments are shared in writing.
• Comprehensive legal consultancy and advocacy services are provided throughout Turkey.
• A practical and meticulous legal approach is applied to resolve lengthy judicial processes in the shortest possible time.
• All legal procedures are followed with attorney agreements, ensuring predictable and transparent legal case management.
• Cost-benefit analyses are conducted to ensure predictable legal expenses for clients.
• Our partners, fluent in advanced English, provide international legal services.