I Over-Stayed in Turkey, Will I Be Deported?

You may have fallen into illegal status in Turkey due to reasons such as the expiration of your residence permit or visa, the rejection of a newly submitted residence permit application, or an incorrect residence permit application. Staying in Turkey beyond the legal period may result in different consequences depending on your nationality and the duration of your overstay. So, if you have exceeded your legal stay period in Turkey, what steps should you take, and what are the consequences of staying illegally?

Foreigners who exceed their legal stay in Turkey (overstay), stay illegally, or commit an offense requiring deportation may be taken to deportation centers. These centers operate under conditions similar to detention facilities, and once an individual is placed in a deportation center, their case is prepared before deportation proceedings are initiated. While being taken to a deportation center does not automatically mean deportation, it is a common practice for foreigners with strong suspicions against them. If the necessary legal actions to stop or cancel the deportation process are not taken, the foreign national may be deported and receive an entry ban to Turkey.

1- Why Are Foreigners Taken to a Deportation Center?

The main reasons for being placed in a deportation center include:

Violation of visa or residence permit regulations
Issuance of a deportation order
Rejection of an international protection, asylum, or refugee applicationli>
Suspicion of committing an offense requiring deportation
Other reasons

For foreigners taken to a deportation center, it is crucial to determine the reason for detention, file objections against the detention decision, and effectively monitor the legal process. Various legal remedies are available for securing release. However, as each case has unique circumstances, a detailed review of the foreigner's case file at the deportation center is necessary before determining the appropriate legal course of action. Based on meetings with the detained foreigner and the case review, the most suitable legal steps are taken. If an application is submitted to our law office, a power of attorney is issued through a notary on behalf of the detained foreigner, and the legal process is meticulously handled. A detailed analysis of the foreigner’s case file at the deportation center is conducted, and necessary legal steps are taken to maximize the possibility of release. The issuance of a power of attorney also allows legal proceedings to be carried out to enable the foreigner to legally re-enter Turkey in the event of deportation.

2- What Is a Deport Center? Why Are Foreigners Taken There?

Deport Centers are facilities operated by the Directorate General of Migration Management, where foreigners who exceed their legal stay, violate visa regulations, or are suspected of committing a deportable offense are detained. Foreigners remain in these centers until their deportation process is completed. Deport centers are located in various cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Izmir, Aydın, and Kayseri. In Istanbul, there are two major Deport centers: Arnavutköy Deport Center, Çatalca Deport Center

3- How Can Foreigners Be Released from a Deport Center?

Common legal grounds for securing release from a Deport center include:

Ensuring the release of the detained foreigner by depositing a specific bond amount.
Proving the existence of individuals who depend on the foreigner's care.
Proving the existence of force majeure circumstances.
Demonstrating that the foreigner may suffer harm if deported.
The foreigner being acquitted in a criminal case.
Other reasons.

If these conditions are met, legal applications can be submitted to court to request the termination of detention and the release of the foreigner from the Deport center. Additionally, if the foreigner was placed in the Deport center due to an alleged criminal offense, their release can be sought by closely monitoring the criminal case through experienced attorneys.

If you face any of these situations, it is crucial to properly manage the legal process to protect your rights, including securing release, obtaining legal permission to stay in Turkey, or ensuring legal re-entry after deportation. Seeking legal assistance from an experienced attorney is essential to navigate these procedures effectively.We strongly advise against overstaying your visa or residence permit in Turkey. Such violations can lead to:

Long-term entry bans
Fines and penalties
Detention in a Deport center

Legal Process

If you have fallen into illegal status in Turkey or if a close relative has been taken to a Deport center, you must act immediately due to the strict time limits governing deportation procedures. Failure to handle and monitor the legal process properly may result in: Deportation orders, Entry bans, Administrative fines, Legal disadvantages despite different factual circumstances

To avoid loss of rights and unnecessary legal consequences, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from an expert attorney without delay.

Why Choose Tigin & Gençer?

At the beginning of the legal process, a client-attorney agreement is signed, guaranteeing that the case will be handled with diligence, responsibility, and professionalism.

The legal process and its stages are communicated to the client, and any legal developments are shared in writing.
Comprehensive legal consultancy and advocacy services are provided throughout Turkey.
A practical and meticulous legal approach is applied to resolve lengthy judicial processes in the shortest possible time.
All legal procedures are followed with attorney agreements, ensuring predictable and transparent legal case management.
Cost-benefit analyses are conducted to ensure predictable legal expenses for clients.
Our partners, fluent in advanced English, provide international legal services.