I sold all my assets to come to North Cyprus: Student arrested for illegal residency tells court

A man who overstayed his legal residency in Northern Cyprus by 639 days was detained in Lefkoşa and brought before the court, where he pleaded for a second chance, citing financial hardship due to rising living costs.

According to the police, the individual identified as EJ was apprehended on June 28, 2025, during a routine patrol on Atatürk Street in Lefkoşa.

An immigration check revealed that EJ had been residing illegally in the country since September 30, 2023.

Police stated that after his arrest, EJ was initially remanded for three days, during which a statement was obtained from the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Interior, and correspondence regarding his deportation was initiated. However, police noted that a response to the deportation request had not yet been received, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police therefore requested an additional seven-day detention period.

Plea for Another Chance

Addressing the court, EJ explained that he had sold all his assets in his home country to fund his education. Despite receiving a 25% scholarship, he said skyrocketing tuition and housing costs made it impossible for him to keep up with expenses.

“I sold everything I owned to study here, but with rent and school fees soaring, I couldn’t manage. I want to continue my education. If you deport me, I won’t be able to do that. I’m asking for a second chance—I just need two more months to put things in order,” he pleaded.

After evaluating the testimony and evidence, the judge ruled that EJ will remain in custody for an additional seven days pending further investigation.