Three foreign nationals detained for unauthorized stay in Northern Cyprus

Lefkoşa, — Three individuals have been detained for residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without legal authorization for extended periods, following police investigations conducted over the past week.

The suspects, identified as FJK, HIF and AEAOA appeared before the Lefkoşa District Court on Tuesday June 17.

Police told the court that on the evening of 13 June 2025, at around 8:00 PM, officers from the Anti-Narcotics and Smuggling Department carried out a search at a residence in the Kızılbaş area of Lefkoşa. During an immigration check, it was discovered that FJK had been residing in the TRNC without valid status since 17 April 2020—a total of 1,883 days—while HIF had been unlawfully present since 26 April 2020, amounting to 1,874 days. Both were arrested on the spot.

They were brought before the Lefkoşa District Court on 14 June 2025, and an initial three-day detention order was secured. 

Police informed the court that during this period, statements had been collected and necessary procedures had commenced for their potential deportation.

In a separate incident, AEAOA was apprehended during a routine police patrol in the Ortaköy area at approximately 1:30 AM on 17 June 2025. An immigration check revealed that he had been residing in the country without legal authorization since 22 October 2023, totaling 544 days.

Police have launched a formal investigation into AEAOA’s case and requested that all three suspects remain in custody for an additional three days to facilitate ongoing legal proceedings.

Following the testimonies, the judge approved the request, ordering the continued detention of all three individuals for a period of three days.