Iranian national arrested in north Cyprus for overstaying visa

Lefkoşa, 6 August 2025 — An Iranian national, was arrested in Lefkoşa after it was discovered he had been residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without legal authorization for 220 days. 

The arrest took place during a routine immigration check conducted by the Lefkoşa Police Department.

According to police testimony presented in court, the suspect identified as FR visited the Immigration Office of the Lefkoşa Police Directorate on 6 August 2025 to request an official record of his entry and exit history. During the background check, officers discovered that he had overstayed his permitted stay since 29 December 2024.

The police informed the court that FR was taken into custody on the spot and an official investigation was launched. Authorities are currently looking into whether the suspect was involved in any other criminal activity during his time in the country.

The police also confirmed that the necessary procedures have been initiated for FR’s deportation. They requested an additional two days of detention to allow time for further investigation and processing of the deportation paperwork.

The judge granted the police request, ordering that the suspect remain in custody for an additional two days.

FR is expected to be held while authorities conclude their investigation and coordinate his removal from the country.