Student found living in north Cyprus illegally remanded in custody

Lefkoşa, 12 August 2025 — A woman who is in north Cyprus for study has been ordered to remain in police custody after authorities discovered she had been living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without a valid residence permit.

According to testimony from the police, the incident came to light on 8 August 2025 at around 10:45 a.m., when the Ministry of Interior conducted checks in the parking area of the Makro Supermarket in Küçük Kaymaklı, Lefkoşa.

Immigration checks carried out on the individual identified as BIK, revealed that she had been residing in the country illegally for 256 days since 29 November 2024.

Police reported that the suspect was immediately arrested and that an investigation was launched.

Officers stated that they need to obtain a formal statement from the Ministry of Interior regarding her legal status and to determine whether she has been involved in any other offences.

The prosecution requested a two-day extension of her detention for investigative purposes.

After reviewing the evidence, the judge approved the request, ordering her to remain in custody for two more days.