What is the purpose of a meşruhatlı visa?

A meşruhatlı visa allows foreigners who are barred from entering Turkey to legally enter the country for specific purposes such as medical treatment, family reunification, education, work, official duty, or tourism.

What is the average processing time for a meşruhatlı visa application?

The processing time for a meşruhatlı visa application typically ranges from 1-2 months depending on the type of visa being applied for.

Can a foreigner be deported while their appeal against a deportation order is still pending?

No, if a foreigner appeals against a deportation order and the appeal is still ongoing, the deportation order will not be executed until the appeal is resolved. If the appeal is successful, the deportation order will be completely lifted.

Can a foreigner enter Turkey if they have a tahdit code?

It depends on the type of tahdit code. If the code is for informational purposes only, then the foreigner can enter Turkey. However, if the code indicates a ban on entering Turkey or a deportation order, the foreigner cannot enter until the code is lifted.

Now let’s take a look at some of these codes one by one.

V RESTRICTION CODES

V-68 (Subject to Ministry Approval for Residence Permit)

Foreigners with the V-68 code can only obtain a residence permit with the approval of the ministry. The process for obtaining a residence permit for these individuals progresses differently from the normal process and requires additional permission.

V-69 (Cancellation of Residence Permit)

The V-69 code is given to those whose residence permit in Turkey is cancelled due to non-compliance with residence rules. For example, in cases where the required documents for residence are found to be fake, the V-69 code is applied and the person is not granted a residence permit for five years.

V-70 (Fake Marriage)

Foreigners who engage in a fake marriage in order to obtain a residence permit in Turkey are given the V-70 limitation code if discovered. This code prohibits them from entering Turkey for up to five years.

V-71 (Foreigners who are not found at their registered address, do not report a change of address or provide false information)

The V-72 code is applied to foreigners who change the address they provided while obtaining a residence permit without informing the relevant authorities, or who reside at an address other than the one they registered. This code can be resolved through administrative application.

V-74 (Foreigners who must report their departure to the ministry/governorate)

The V-74 limitation code is applied to foreigners who are required to report their departure to the ministry or governorate before leaving Turkey. It can be removed through administrative application or appeal.

V-77 (Foreigners who apply as Ahiska Turks even though they are not)

The V-77 limitation code is applied to those who apply for Ahiska Turkish status and are found not to be Ahiska Turkish. This code is intended to prevent these individuals from applying for Ahiska Turkish status again.

V-84 (Foreigners who entered Turkey with the condition to obtain a residence permit within 10 days)

The V-84 code is applied to foreign nationals who enter Turkey with the condition of obtaining a residence permit within 10 days, but fail to apply to the foreign branch for a residence permit within 10 days. In such cases, a ban on entering Turkey is imposed.

V-87 (Temporary Protection Beneficiaries who voluntarily return)

The V-87 limitation code is applied to foreigners who are temporary protection beneficiaries in Turkey and who voluntarily return to their country of origin.

V-88 (Foreigners whose work permits have been revoked)

The V-88 limitation code is applied to foreigners who had a work permit and had it revoked. Depending on the reasons for revocation of the work permit, a fine and a ban on entering Turkey may also be imposed. The situation can be resolved through a legitimate invitation, a new work permit application or administrative appeal.

V-91 (Temporary Protection Beneficiaries subject to exit permission)

The V-91 limitation code is applied to temporary protection beneficiaries who are subject to exit permission when leaving Turkey. These individuals must obtain permission from the relevant authorities before leaving. The code can be removed through administrative application or appeal.

V-92 (Temporary Protection Beneficiaries with Duplicate Records)

The V-92 code is applied to temporary protection beneficiaries who have double records. If the issue is not resolved on its own, an administrative application must be made to correct the double record.

V-137 (Voluntary Departure)

Foreign nationals who are subject to a deportation order are given 15 days to leave the country voluntarily instead of being immediately deported. If they fail to leave within 15 days, a deportation order is immediately enforced against them and they are barred from entering Turkey. The V-137 restriction code is placed on these individuals.

V-144 (Temporary Humanitarian Residence Permit)

Foreign nationals who are subject to a deportation order may not be able to return to their country or may face a risk to their life if they return. In such cases, the foreign national may be deported to a third country. If that is not possible, the foreign national is not deported and is instead granted a temporary humanitarian residence permit. The V-144 restriction code is placed on the individual during this process. It can be removed by obtaining a legitimate visa.

V-146 (Passport Endorsement)

Restriction code V-146 is applied to Turkish citizens whose passports have been endorsed due to pending legal action. In some cases, their passport applications are not processed. This situation is unlawful, and the affected individuals must file an administrative appeal followed by a lawsuit.

V-147 (Passport Endorsement for Turkish Citizen’s Spouse)

The spouses of Turkish citizens whose passports have been endorsed due to pending legal action may also have V-147 restriction codes placed on their passports. This practice is also unlawful, and affected individuals must file an administrative appeal followed by a lawsuit.

V-148 (Temporary Accommodation Center)

Foreign nationals may be accommodated in temporary accommodation centers depending on their circumstances. In such cases, a V-148 restriction code is placed on these individuals. It is an informative code and can be removed by filing an administrative appeal once their accommodation period is over.

V-154 (Appeal Against Deportation Order)

When a deportation order is appealed in administrative court, the affected individual is not immediately deported. During this time, they may be given a V-154 restriction code. It is an informative code and does not harm the individual. Once the case is concluded, the code is removed.

V-157 (Rejected Residence Permit Applications)

V-157 is the restriction code placed on foreign nationals whose residence permit applications have been rejected. To remove the code, the individual must apply for a legitimate visa or file an administrative appeal or lawsuit against the rejection decision.

V-158 (Cancellation of Foreign Mission Personnel/Family Member ID Card)

For various reasons, the ID cards of foreign mission personnel or their family members may be canceled. In such cases, the affected individual is given a V-158 restriction code. Depending on the reason for cancellation, the situation can be resolved through an administrative appeal or lawsuit.

V-159 (Transit Passengers)

V-159 is the information code placed on foreign nationals who enter Turkey for transit purposes. It does not harm the individual in any way.

G Restriction Codes

G-26 (Illegal organization activities)

G-26 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of being involved in or engaging in illegal organization activities. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-34 (Forgery)

G-34 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of committing or engaging in forgery crimes. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-42 (Drug-related offenses)

G-42 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of committing or engaging in drug-related offenses. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-43 (Smuggling crimes)

G-43 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of committing or engaging in smuggling crimes. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-48 (Procuring and providing prostitution)

G-48 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of procuring and providing prostitution or engaging in related offenses. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-58 (Murder)

G-58 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of committing or engaging in murder crimes. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-64 (Threatening)

G-64 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of committing or engaging in threatening crimes. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-65 (Theft)

G-65 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of committing or engaging in theft crimes. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-66 (Robbery)

G-66 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of committing or engaging in robbery crimes. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-67 (Fraud)

G-67 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of committing or engaging in fraud crimes. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-78 (Foreigners carrying infectious diseases)

Foreigners carrying infectious diseases are permanently barred from entering Turkey by the G-78 restriction code. However, if a misdiagnosis was made or the foreign national receives treatment and recovers, the entry ban can be lifted upon application. It is necessary to consult a lawyer on whether this application should be made through administrative or legal channels.

G-82 (Activities against national security)

G-82 is the restriction code imposed on foreign nationals who are suspected of engaging in activities against national security. It is similar to the G-87 code we mentioned below, and can be imposed based on intelligence information. However, it can be removed through legal proceedings.

G-87 (Persons posing a threat to public order and security)

Foreign individuals who are deemed to pose a threat to public order and security may be given a G-87 restriction code, based on intelligence reports from sources such as the police, gendarmerie, and national intelligence agency. These individuals may be deported from Turkey based on this code. However, it is possible to appeal and have the restriction removed through legal means.

In practice, many of the intelligence reports used to justify the imposition of a G-87 code may not be based on concrete evidence. In many cases, intelligence reports are created based on mere suspicion and forwarded to the Directorate General of Migration Management. In such cases, it is possible to challenge the restriction through legal means and have it removed.

It should be noted that deportation based on a G-87 code can put the lives of individuals at risk in their home countries. In one case that was brought before the Constitutional Court, the deportation of an individual who had been given a G-87 restriction code was prevented due to the risk of harm to the individual in their home country and the lack of concrete evidence to support the restriction.

Ç Tahdit Kodları

Ç-101 (Violation of visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules / Entry ban for 3 months)

Ç-101 is imposed on foreigners who violate visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules. In addition to a fine, these individuals are also subject to an entry ban to Turkey for 3 months. The entry ban can be lifted with a legitimate visa or through legal means.

Ç-102 (Violation of visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules / Entry ban for 6 months)

Ç-102 is imposed on foreigners who violate visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules. In addition to a fine, these individuals are also subject to an entry ban to Turkey for 6 months. The entry ban can be lifted with a legitimate visa or through legal means.

Ç-103 (Violation of visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules / Entry ban for 1 year)

Ç-103 is imposed on foreigners who violate visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules. In addition to a fine, these individuals are also subject to an entry ban to Turkey for 1 year. The entry ban can be lifted with a legitimate visa or through legal means.

Ç-104 (Violation of visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules / Entry ban for 2 years)

Ç-104 is imposed on foreigners who violate visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules. In addition to a fine, these individuals are also subject to an entry ban to Turkey for 2 years. The entry ban can be lifted with a legitimate visa or through legal means.

Ç-105 (Violation of visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules / Entry ban for 5 years)

Ç-105 is imposed on foreigners who violate visa, visa exemption, residence and work permit rules. In addition to a fine, these individuals are also subject to an entry ban to Turkey for 5 years. The entry ban can be lifted with a legitimate visa or through legal means.

Ç-113 (Illegal entry and exit)

Ç-113 is imposed on foreigners who illegally enter Turkey. These individuals are subject to an entry ban to Turkey for 2 years and also receive an administrative fine. If the administrative fine is paid, entry to Turkey is prohibited for only 2 years, but if the fine is not paid, the entry ban is extended to 5 years. Legal means can be used to challenge the administrative fine.

Ç-114 (Foreigners subject to legal action)

Foreigners who are subject to legal action in Turkey will be banned from entering the country for 1 year regardless of whether they are guilty or not. This can be resolved through administrative proceedings.

Ç-115 (Foreigners released from prison)

Foreigners who have completed their prison sentences in Turkey will be banned from entering the country for 1 year. This can be resolved through administrative proceedings.

Ç-116 (Foreigners endangering public morality and health)

Foreigners who act against public morality or endanger public health will be banned from entering Turkey for 1 year.

Foreign women taken from bars, nightclubs, etc. are being written on the detention report as “considered to have come to the venue for prostitution” by law enforcement officials, and based on this statement, their residence or work permits are being canceled, and they may be deported. Unfortunately, we encounter many cases like this in practice, but we have achieved positive results in the lawsuits we have opened regarding this issue.

Ç-117 (Undocumented workers)

Undocumented foreign workers in Turkey will be banned from entering the country for 1 year with the Ç-117 restriction code. An administrative fine will also be imposed. This can be resolved through a legitimate visa method.

Ç-118 (Foreigners whose residence permits have been canceled)

When it is determined that foreigners who have been granted residence permits in Turkey are using their permits for other purposes, they will be banned from entering the country for 5 years with the Ç-118 restriction code. This can be resolved by obtaining a legitimate visa.

Ç-119 (Undocumented workers failing to pay fines)

Undocumented foreign workers in Turkey who do not pay administrative fines when leaving the country will be banned from entering Turkey for 5 years with the Ç-119 restriction code. This can be resolved through a legitimate visa method.

Ç-120 (Failure to pay fines due to visa or residence permit violations)

Foreigners who violate visa or residence permit regulations and fail to pay administrative fines when leaving Turkey will be banned from re-entering the country for up to 5 years with the Ç-120 restriction code. As we explained above, the sanctions to be applied in case of visa violation have been diversified with the new regulations. We have written a separate article on this topic, and provided a link to it above.

Ç-135 (Foreigners violating the Law on Foreigners and International Protection)

Foreigners who violate the Law on Foreigners and International Protection will be fined administratively. If this fine is not paid, they will be banned from entering Turkey for 5 years with the Ç-135 restriction code. This can be resolved through a legitimate visa method.

Ç-136 (Failure to pay travel expenses)

If foreigners cannot pay their travel expenses when deported from Turkey, they will be banned from re-entering the country until these expenses are paid. The Ç-136 restriction code will be applied in this case.

Ç-137 (Foreigners invited to leave Turkey)

If foreigners who are invited to leave Turkey by the immigration authorities do not leave within the specified time period, they will be subject to the Ç-137 restriction code, which prevents them from entering Turkey for a period of 5 years. However, with a legitimate visa, they can enter Turkey again. It is also possible to file a lawsuit in the administrative court to prevent them from leaving Turkey at all.

Ç-138 (Defiant passenger)

If a foreigner who is banned from entering Turkey is caught trying to enter the country, the Ç-138 restriction code may be applied to prevent them from entering Turkey for up to 5 years. Depending on the situation, legal action may need to be taken.

Ç-141 (Foreigners subject to Ministry of Interior permission for entry to Turkey)

Ç-141 is the restriction code applied by the Directorate General of Migration Management to foreigners who are required to obtain permission from the Ministry of Interior to enter Turkey due to administrative or criminal violations committed in Turkey or abroad against Turkey. Permission must be obtained from the ministry to enter the country, and if permission is not granted, different legal remedies can be pursued based on the response from the ministry.

However, as with the N-82 code, permission is rarely granted in practice. This is a practice of entry ban into the country. In this case, it is generally not possible for the foreigner to enter Turkey without opening a case and canceling the code.

Ç-150 (Foreigners attempting to enter with fake documents)

Ç-150 is the restriction code applied to foreigners who present fake documents when entering Turkey. It can be removed with a legitimate visa or, in some cases, through legal action.

Ç-151 (Human smuggler/trafficker)

Ç-151 is the restriction code applied to foreigners who commit or are suspected of committing human smuggling crimes. However, it can be removed through legal action.

Ç-152 (Foreigners whose entry is provisionally barred)

Ç-152 is the restriction code applied to foreigners whose entry to Turkey is provisionally (as a precaution) barred. This code can be removed through legal action or with a legitimate visa.

Ç-166 (Foreigners without justifiable reason/money to stay)

Ç-166 is the restriction code applied to foreigners who do not have a justifiable reason for their visit or do not have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Turkey upon entry or when obtaining a visa. It can be removed through a legitimate visa.

K Codes (Wanted for smuggling)

The K code is usually applied to foreigners who have committed smuggling offenses and have a warrant for their arrest. This code may or may not result in an entry ban and may even be applied to prevent leaving the country.

N Restriction Codes

N-82 (Foreigner subject to prior permission for entry)

Foreigners with N-82 restriction code are required to obtain prior permission to enter Turkey. However, in practice, very few permissions are granted. This is a measure of entry ban to the country. Without cancelling the code through a legal process, it is difficult for a foreigner to enter Turkey.

N-99 (Interpol Code)

N-99 Interpol restriction code is applied to individuals who are wanted by their own country or by a country that is a member of the Interpol system. This type of code may also result in an entry ban to Turkey. The decision to impose an entry ban is at the discretion of the state. Although this is a serious type of code, we have seen cases where it has been lifted frequently.

O Restriction Codes

O-100 (Asylum seeker banned from entry to the city of unknown residence)

O-100 is the restriction code for asylum seekers who are banned from entry to the city of unknown residence. Foreigners who have applied to the Provincial Migration Directorate as asylum seekers and are found not to be present at the address they declared, or who are detected through routine checks, are deported from Turkey and the O-100 restriction code is applied.

O-176 (Foreigners whose international protection application has been rejected for 3 years)

Foreigners who apply for international protection status are evaluated as to whether they are eligible for this status. If the evaluation result is not positive, this code is applied. After the administrative application, it is possible to go to court.

O-177 (Foreigners whose international protection application has been rejected for 5 years)

Foreigners who apply for international protection status are evaluated as to whether they are eligible for this status. If the evaluation result is not positive, this code is applied. After the administrative application, it is possible to go to court.