Turkey has introduced new amendments to the 2025 Law on Foreigners and International Protection, including tougher penalties for illegal residency and granting foreigners the right to appeal deportation decisions within seven days of notification. Renewal bans may continue for periods of up to 5–10 years in the event of repeated violations.
The Arab community, particularly Syrians, Iraqis, Egyptians, and Yemenis, will be most affected by these amendments, making regularizing their legal status a necessity to avoid deportation. In parallel, the government launched a new amnesty allowing illegal residents to easily re-register at low fees and renew their residency electronically through the government platform.
This move aims to regulate the labor market, enhance social and economic stability, and increase transparency in the labor market. It also allows illegal residents to return to Turkey legally later, alleviating concerns about deportation and reflecting a shift in Turkish immigration policy toward greater flexibility.
