Pakistan national arrested for residing illegally in Northern Cyprus

Lefkoşa, Cyprus – June 15, 2025 — A man identified as FM, a Pakistani national, has been remanded in custody for three days after being found to have resided illegally in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for 946 days. 

FM was apprehended during a routine immigration control conducted by the police in the Surlariçi area of Lefkoşa.

Police officer who testified in court stated that the suspect exhibited suspicious behavior on June 15, prompting officers from the Special Operations Unit (CÖŞ) of Lefkoşa Police Directorate to carry out a document check. It was revealed that FM had entered the TRNC on November 12, 2022, on a 30-day visa, but had overstayed significantly without obtaining any legal residency status.

Upon discovery of his illegal stay, FM was taken into custody and a formal investigation was launched. Police informed the court that preparations for his deportation are underway, and requested a three-day extension of his detention to complete administrative procedures.

The presiding judge approved the request, ordering FM to remain in custody for the next three days.

According to a statement from the Police Press Office, FM is one of three individuals detained across the country yesterday as part of a nationwide immigration enforcement effort targeting undocumented residents. All three individuals are now facing legal proceedings.

The investigation remains ongoing.