“We will end illegal residency in northern Cyprus”: Interior minister Oğuz

Northern Cyprus Interior Minister Dursun Oğuz has reiterated the government’s commitment to combating illegal residency, announcing that inspections in September were twice as frequent compared to August.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, Oğuz visited the Migration Management Center in Lefkoşa’s Walled City to inspect mobile checkpoints and review on-site operations. He emphasized that the government is determined to identify and take action against all individuals living in the country without permission.

The minister noted that simultaneous inspections have been carried out in Lefkoşa, İskele, and Lefke, with active support from the Police General Directorate and district governorships. “We are conducting this struggle against illegal residency together with our police force. Our aim is to identify individuals residing without permission, increase deterrence, and ensure law and order,” Oğuz said. “Some incidents may overshadow these efforts, but we must do what is right.”

Highlighting the rise in enforcement, Oğuz reported that the number of effective inspections conducted in September doubled compared to the first half of August. He also urged citizens not to employ undocumented workers, warning that authorities will hold all parties accountable.

Oğuz stressed that the government is acting in line with international standards in migration management:

-Individuals without permits who are not linked to crimes are deported.

-Those involved in criminal activity are arrested and prosecuted.

He further explained that the ministry is working in cooperation with universities to address weaknesses in student residency regulations.

Concluding his remarks, Oğuz praised the efforts of the police and reiterated the government’s determination: “We will put an end to illegal residency in the TRNC. Our struggle will continue until we are a fully secure country.”