“If I'm the president, I will send back third-country nationals, people from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, and India—I'd send them all back": Turkish Cypriots expresses

Lefkoşa, North Cyprus: Turkish Cypriots have expressed their concerns over the influx of foreign nationals to northern Cyprus and wants all foreigners except Turkish citizens to be sent back to their countries.

This was revealed in a recent street poll conducted by Gündem Kıbrıs which revealed that citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are increasingly concerned about the growing number of third-country nationals residing in the country, along with longstanding issues such as the lack of public transportation and economic pressures.

Posing the question, “If you were president, what would be your first action?”, the newspaper found that the majority of respondents prioritized stricter immigration control—particularly the deportation or restriction of third-country nationals, often from South Asia and Africa.

Immigration at the Forefront of Public Discontent

Many citizens expressed that the demographic shift caused by an influx of foreign laborers and residents is impacting the country’s social structure, labor market, and public safety.

“If I were president, my first action would be to send back third-country nationals. People from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, and India—I'd send them all back. That would bring prosperity,” said Azem Erdiner, echoing a widely held sentiment.

Ibrahim Özer echoed this concern, stating, “With so many unemployed locals, it makes no sense to bring in foreign workers. Crime has risen. Every day there are police and court reports, many involving foreign nationals. I would limit their entry immediately.”

Transportation Infrastructure Criticized

A lack of reliable public transportation also emerged as a key issue. Respondents noted that without access to buses or trains, residents are forced to rely on private vehicles, resulting in increased traffic and financial burden on households.

“There is virtually no public transport. Every household needs at least one car, which adds to congestion,” said Melisa Alaca.

Kerem Bozkır stressed the need for accessible transport for vulnerable groups: “Students and the elderly suffer the most. Fixing public transportation would be my top priority.”

Cevdet Sayman took aim at infrastructure failures, particularly dangerous roads: “Take the Girne-Değirmenlik mountain road, for example—how many more lives need to be lost before the government acts?”

Broader Concerns: Economy, Health, and Production

Several respondents also pointed to broader socio-economic concerns. Yılmaz Göktaş prioritized economic reform and tackling high living costs, proposing urgent action by the Cabinet to improve public welfare. He also voiced strong support for the two-state solution vision shared with Turkey.

Ayşenur Güven highlighted the need for healthcare reform: “Government hospitals must be improved, and private clinics should be more affordable. As it stands, you can’t get around the country or access care without a private vehicle or money.”

Some, like Ibrahim Özer, also called for innovation in agriculture: “The world has moved to soil-free farming—we can't even manage traditional methods properly.”

Citizens Demand Focus on Domestic Issues

The overwhelming consensus among those interviewed was clear: domestic issues—immigration, transportation, healthcare, and the economy—must take precedence over diplomatic efforts on the Cyprus issue.

“The Cyprus problem isn’t something we can solve alone. Let’s focus on what we can change: our roads, services, and quality of life,” said Sayman.

The responses reflect growing frustration among Northern Cyprus citizens, who are calling on policymakers to urgently address internal challenges and ensure a more livable, secure, and prosperous future for the country.

— Reported by Gündem Kıbrıs