The Ministry of Interior has announced that all foreigners currently residing in the country whose residency or work permits have expired will be able to benefit from an immigration amnesty.

Individuals will be required to pay a fine online through the ministry’s website within 90 days.

According to an announcement made by the Ministry of Interior, all foreigners residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus whose residency permits have expired will be able to extend their permits by paying a fine worth one minimum wage within 90 days.

Individuals will be required to pay the fine online through the Interior Ministry’s website https://icisleri.gov.ct.tr until February 3, 2023.

Individuals from third countries currently abroad and who have been penalised for failing to renew their residency or work permits on time will be able to benefit from the pardon on the condition they apply to a TRNC representative office or consulate.

Should they be found eligible to return, these individuals will be allowed entry into the TRNC on the condition they pay one gross minimum wage when entering the country.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security Hasan Taçoy said on Monday that they were expecting around 5000 people to benefit from the immigration amnesty.

He said that inspections have been stepped up and that those whose permits have expired should apply as soon as possible.

“All unregistered foreign workers will be penalised. This is not a threat. The whole point of registering everyone is creating a more disciplined structure,” Taçoy added.