Social media platforms in Turkey and among Arab users residing in Turkey have reported news that carries a lot of question marks, regarding the cancellation of tourist residence in Turkey. It is our duty at Fanar Insurance and Residence in Turkey and it is our core responsibility to deliver the honest and reliable news to you, and with a logical and thoughtful analysis, we decided to discuss this news and refute the rumors and fears that accompanied this news.
News of canceling tourist residence in Turkey
More than one Turkish official denied that the cancellation of tourist residence in Turkey was true news, including the advisor to the Turkish president, Mr. Yasin Aktay. Indeed, talk about canceling tourist residence in Turkey is nothing but a wave of Facebook rumors that dealt with the topic of "circulation" issued by the Immigration Department in Turkey According to the Ministry of Interior, the Turkish government will begin in 2020 to emphasize the renewal of tourist residences, not their cancellation.
How can you believe that the government decides to cancel tourist residence in Turkey, which is a tourist country that relies heavily on tourism revenues, especially since Turkey earned about 29.5 billion US dollars from the tourism sector and spent only 4.9 billion dollars on this sector, this is a wide gateway to profit.. How can it be closed?
What happened, as we mentioned, is a misunderstanding of a circular issued by the Immigration Department in Turkey regarding the regulation and legalization of procedures for renewing tourist residence in Turkey.
Why did Turkey issue this circular?
Immigration statistics to Turkey have become a large number, and Turkey offers migrants to it different rights, and according to each right, a special residence is organized for him based on his desire and after fulfilling the conditions for residence.
Tourism in Turkey is one of these rights, through which a residence permit is granted for a full year, and there are no restrictions or difficult conditions for obtaining this type of residence, which prompts the majority of those coming to Turkey to obtain a tourist residence permit when they enter Turkey.
To here.. no problem
But the biggest problem that Turkey faces is that foreigners continue to extend their tourist stays more than once, and without convincing reasons for that. In 2016, Turkey made it possible to extend the tourist residence by mail, without the need to visit the Immigration Department for an interview.
In May 2019, the Immigration Department issued another circular to control the residency extension processes, as the extension was canceled by mail, and the extension interview was conducted inside the General Directorate of Security Building.
The last circular is considered a continuation of the Turkish plan to control the extension of the tourist residence, not to cancel it, and the decision is not expected to affect the renewal of tourist residences much, except in unconvincing cases.
There are other reasons that prompted Turkey to issue the circular, which are:
The presence of foreign workers working without a work permit issued, and this causes their rights to be digested inside Turkey and subjected to exploitation, not to mention that they violate the residency laws in Turkey.
Turkey's desire to draw the attention of foreigners to new ways that allow them to reside legally, such as studying in Turkey or buying real estate.
Turkey is a corridor for illegal immigration to Europe, so it needs to be firm in controlling the affairs of those coming to it to ensure that they do not leave illegally towards European countries.
Expected procedures regarding the extension of tourist stay
In general, there are no new procedures, but those wishing to renew their tourist residences in Turkey after 1/1/2020 can be asked during the interview at the General Directorate of Security Department about the convincing reasons that motivate them to stay in Turkey for a longer period to extend their stay.
It is clear from this circular that the target is not Arabs, especially those coming from countries that suffer from security and economic problems, such as Syrians coming from a third country through the official border crossings, or those coming from Yemen, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, or others.
And the truth is more, according to several statements by Turkish officials, that what is meant primarily are illegal immigrants coming from safe countries, and there is no need for them to reside for an additional period under tourism.
What are the proposed solutions if the decision is implemented?
In the event that the decision to tighten the renewal of tourist residence in Turkey is applied, or even not applied, you need to find convincing legal formulas for your presence in Turkey, and the following are some of the things that are considered solutions to the possibility of renewing your tourist residence in Turkey, or in other words, getting rid of your anxiety from Rumors of canceling or renewing the tourist residence permit or emphasizing that.
The solutions are:
Constant follow-up of news and updates of residence laws in Turkey, and Al-Fanar Insurance and Residences is a safe source for such news, as we publish any official news related to residences in Turkey of all kinds.
In the tourist residence interview, try to carry documents that allow you to continue to stay in Turkey, and there are several cases that can be convincing cases to extend the tourist residence:
Having children for you studying in Turkish schools or universities
The bad security situation in your country and your fear for your family and children to return
Having a patient in your family who takes regular treatment in Turkish hospitals
Having a wife with legal residence in Turkey or a husband, and the need to stay together inside Turkey.
You can also think of other solutions to switch your residence in Turkey to a type other than tourist residence, such as the following cases:
When buying a property in Turkey, whatever its price, you can obtain a real estate residence permit and it can be renewed continuously on an annual basis, and the wife and children under the age of 18 benefit from it.
Completing the study in Turkey, at a private or public university, allows you to obtain a student residence in Turkey, and it can be extended throughout the years of study.
Seeking to obtain a legal work residence in Turkey, whereby foreigners working in Turkey legally can obtain Turkish citizenship after 5 continuous years of obtaining a work residence.
Opening a company in Turkey, even if it is small, or even a shop, or an office, all of this gives you the right to reside for the purpose of investing in Turkey.
Marriage to a Turkish, and there are many Arabs who have Turkish citizenship. Marriage to a Turkish gives the foreign spouse the right to family residence, and then runs for Turkish citizenship after 3 consecutive years of residence.
Valuable tips from Fanar
Commitment to the purpose for which you entered Turkey, and change the residence in case you want to change the purpose of your stay in Turkey. The tourist residence in Turkey does not allow you to study or work, but a student residence permit or work permit must be issued.
Register your children in Turkish schools and universities. This gives you a free education for them and is a convincing argument for extending your tourist stay in Turkey.
Buy a property in Turkey, even if it is small, or at a low price, or in a state other than the state in which you reside. For example, you can buy a studio or a small shop, and you can make this an opportunity for a small investment for you in Turkey, in addition to your continued residence.
Think of obtaining family residence in Turkey, especially for young people, by marrying a Turkish or a foreigner with a work permit. This gives you the right to family residence, which may nominate you for Turkish citizenship 3 years after the issuance of the residence permit.
Adhere to the laws in Turkey, make sure to submit your documents in a regular manner, and avoid obtaining any unofficial or forged document and presenting it in any Turkish transaction.
Make sure to renew your passport so that its validity period is longer than the period of residence you require
Obtain health insurance that covers the required length of stay
Do not listen to rumors and lies and be sure that Turkey is a country that respects foreigners and always seeks to provide very comfortable opportunities for its residents, and only laws will be issued that regulate foreigners' stay in Turkey and provide them with comfort, stability and safety.
We also always remind you that Fanar Health Insurance and Residences has been working for 8 years in this field and through our extensive experience in this field, we confirm that Turkish laws have always helped provide safe and legal residence for foreigners in Turkey.
