Three foreign nationals detained in North Cyprus for illegal stay

Three foreign nationals who are students in north Cyprus have been ordered to remain in custody for an additional eight days after being found to have overstayed in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without legal residence permits.

The suspects identified as— JDS, who overstayed for 701 days, TJA for 328 days, and EOD for 694 days — were apprehended by the Crime Prevention Unit in Lefkosia.

Police in court testimony against the individuals said on August 24, 2025, at around 10:00 a.m., officers on patrol in Küçük Kaymaklı, Haydar Bey Street stopped the three men and conducted immigration checks.

The investigation revealed that JDS had been residing illegally in the TRNC since September 23, 2023, TJA since September 30, 2024, and EOD since September 30, 2023.

All three were arrested on the spot and taken into custody. On the same day, they were brought before court and placed under a three-day detention order. During this period, police confirmed through the Immigration Department that the men were indeed staying in the country illegally.

Police informed the court that correspondence with the Civil Immigration Department was ongoing to arrange their deportation, but the process had not yet been completed. As a result, police requested additional time.

The judge ordered the suspects to remain in custody for eight more days while deportation procedures continue.