Pakistani national detained for residing illegally in North Cyprus for 13 years

Girne, Cyprus — A Pakistani national, identified only as MA, was detained during a routine police check in Girne on June 7, where authorities discovered he had been living in the country illegally for over a decade. 

The individual who has resided in the country without legal status since September 20, 2012, appeared before the Girne District Court on Sunday June 8.

According to testimony presented by an officer from the Girne Criminal Investigation Department, the suspect was identified during routine immigration checks and subsequently arrested. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether MA has been involved in any criminal activity during his 13-year undocumented stay.

In court, the police requested an additional three-day detention period to continue the investigation, including efforts to identify the workplaces where he may have been employed during his stay.

Speaking in his own defense, MA told the court he is a father of four and has been working to support his family. He also claimed that his household currently lacks even basic utilities, such as electricity.

The presiding judge emphasized the importance of determining where the suspect had been working throughout his time in the country, describing the matter as essential to the ongoing investigation. The judge granted the police request and ordered MA to remain in custody for three more days.

MA is being held on charges related to illegal residency under Cypriot immigration law. The investigation is ongoing.