One of the important issues that foreigners face during residence, work and visa procedures in Turkey is “restriction codes”. A restriction code is an application that affects the legal status of foreigners in Turkey and imposes certain restrictions. In our content, we will provide detailed information on what a restriction code is, in which cases it is applied and how it can be removed. We will also provide recommendations on this process based on the experiences of Lawyer Esra Aslan.
What is a Restriction Code?
A restriction code is a system that refers to restrictions on foreigners’ legal status in Turkey. These codes are set by the Directorate General of Migration Management and define the obstacles that foreigners may face when applying for a residence permit, work permit or visa. A restriction code may limit or completely prohibit a person from staying or working in Turkey.
Restriction Codes and Their Meanings
Below are the restriction codes used in Turkey and their descriptions in detail:
Exit Restriction Codes
These codes refer to various prohibitions and restrictions on a foreign national’s exit from Turkey.
- Q-101: Entry ban for visa violation – Entry ban may be imposed for 1 month to 5 years.
- Ç-102: Applied to persons exceeding the duration of their residence permit, with an entry ban depending on the duration.
- Ç-103: Applied to foreigners found to be working illegally in Turkey, usually with an entry ban for 5 years.
- Q-104: Applies to persons found to have used forged documents, may include a ban on entry for 5 years.
- Ç-105: Code for people who threaten public order and security, may result in an indefinite entry ban.
- Ç-106: It is applied for foreigners who are involved in a crime and convicted in Turkey, the duration may be affected by court decisions.
- Ç-107: This is the restriction code for deported persons.
- Ç-108: Applies to people who entered Turkey illegally and usually includes a 5-year ban on entering Turkey.
- Ç-109: Applied to people who try to enter Turkey with false documents.
Security and Public Order Related Restriction Codes
These codes include restrictions imposed on foreigners to protect public order and security.
- G-78: This is the restriction code for people who have links to terrorist organizations and threaten public order.
- G-87: Applies to foreigners deemed unfit to enter Turkey. May include a long-term entry ban for persons who threaten public order and security.
- G-89: This is the restriction code applied to persons banned from entry for political or diplomatic reasons.
- G-90: This is one of the codes for special cases for foreigners who have a problem entering Turkey.
- WG-99: This is the restriction code for persons who pose a general security risk.
Restriction Codes for Deportation and Prohibition of Entry
These codes are applied to persons who have been deported or banned from entering Turkey for certain reasons.
- N-82: This is the restriction code applied to persons banned from entering Turkey.
- N-99: This is the restriction code for persons who have been ordered to be deported in Turkey.
- O-100: A generic code applied to persons who have been deported or barred from entry.
- V-84: This is the restriction code for foreigners who overstay their visa.
- K-157: Applied to foreigners who work illegally in Turkey and are detected.
- K-189: A code used by the Migration Management for people who have been granted a temporary residence permit but do not meet certain conditions.
Restriction Codes Used for Special Cases
- N-116: This is the restriction code applied to persons under administrative detention.
- N-117: This is the restriction code for persons whose asylum seeker or refugee application has not been accepted.
- N-118: This is the restriction code for persons who applied for asylum in Turkey but whose application was rejected.
- O-177: Used for persons who are banned from entering Turkey for diplomatic reasons.
- O-178: This is the restriction code for persons wanted in Turkey for international crimes.
Why are Restriction Codes Issued?
Restriction codes can be applied in the following cases:
- Exceeding Legal Deadlines:
- If the duration of stay in Turkey exceeds the duration of the visa or residence permit, a restriction code may be applied.
- Being in the country illegally:
- Entering Turkey illegally or using false documents to extend their stay.
- Behavior Threatening Public Order:
- Committing a crime, threatening security or disrupting public order.
- Revocation of Residence Permit:
- In case of invalidation or revocation of a residence permit.
- Working without a work permit:
- Foreigners working without a work permit can result in a restriction code.
- Deport Decision:
- A restriction code may be applied for foreigners who have been issued a deportation order. This code may prevent the person from entering Turkey or obtaining a residence permit.
How to Inquire about Restriction Codes?
You can follow the steps below for Deport code inquiry:
- Inquiry via E-Government:
- Foreigners in Turkey can query their restriction codes through the e-Government system. After logging in to E-Devlet, you can use the “Foreigners’ Restriction Code Inquiry” service.
- This service shows whether the person has a restriction code and the details of the code.
- Contacting the Migration Management:
- If you cannot get results through E-Devlet, you can apply directly to the Directorate General of Migration Management. Provincial Directorates of Migration Management can provide information about the restriction code.
- Lawyer Assistance:
- You can get help from a lawyer to find out your restriction code. An expert lawyer, such as Esra Aslan, can help you learn the details of the restriction code and help you manage the process.
Process of Removing the Restriction Code
Here are the steps to be taken to remove the restriction code:
- Appeal Process:
- To challenge the restriction code, an application must be filed with the administrative court within 15 days from the date of notification of the code. This deadline is critical to protect your legal rights.
- During the appeal process, you must submit the necessary documents to prove that the restriction code is unlawful. For example, documents showing that your visa or residence permit is valid.
- Request for Stay of Execution:
- During the appeal process, you can request a stay of execution of the restriction code. This can temporarily stop the effects of the code and allow you to stay in Turkey.
- Conciliation and Administrative Remedy:
- In some cases, a compromise can be reached with the Migration Authority. For example, in cases where a restriction code was issued in error, you can apply to the administration and request that the code be removed.
- Lawyer Support:
- The process of removing a restriction code can be complex. Therefore, having the support of an expert lawyer, such as Attorney Esra Aslan, can help you manage the process more effectively. Your lawyer can help you remove the restriction code by following the legal processes, making the necessary applications and defending you.
You can also review our article on how to remove a deportation order.
Consequences of the Restriction Code
The restriction code can seriously affect a person’s legal status in Turkey. The consequences of this code are:
- Rejection of Residence Permit Application:
- Residence permit applications of foreigners with a restriction code may be rejected.
- Rejection of Work Permit Application:
- The restriction code may result in work permit applications being rejected.
- Rejection of Visa Application:
- Foreigners with a restriction code may be denied a visa.
- Entry Ban to Turkey:
- A restriction code can prevent a person from entering Turkey.
A restriction code can prevent a person from entering Turkey.
Lawyer Esra Aslan’s suggestions regarding the restriction code process are as follows:
- Do Not Neglect Legal Proceedings:
- Don’t miss the legal deadlines to appeal a restriction code. The 15-day appeal period is critical to protect your rights.
- Prepare Your Documents Completely:
- During the appeal process, prepare your visa and residence permit documents in full. These documents can be used to prove that the restriction code is unlawful.
- Get Professional Support:
- The restriction code process involves complex legal procedures. Therefore, getting support from an expert lawyer, such as Attorney Esra Aslan, will enable you to manage the process more effectively.
- Stay in Touch with the Migration Management:
- By staying in touch with the Migration Management, you can get information about the latest status of the process. This is an important step for the removal of the restriction code.
Restriction codes can seriously affect the legal status of foreigners in Turkey. In this process, it is of great importance to protect your legal rights and manage the legal processes correctly. As Lawyer Esra Aslan points out, getting professional support and preparing your documents completely will give you a great advantage in the process of removing the restriction code. Remember, a restriction code is not a foregone conclusion and it is possible to remove it with the right steps.