Foreign Persons Coming for Humanitarian Reasons
Foreign nationals who enter Turkey legally due to civil wars in their home countries or other compelling reasons can be granted a short-term residence permit for up to one year. Humanitarian residence permits are issued under specific circumstances outlined in Turkish law. These permits are designed for individuals who cannot apply for other types of residence permits due to extraordinary situations.
Reasons for Issuing Humanitarian Residence Permits:
- Best Interest of the Child: When the well-being of a child is at stake, humanitarian residence permits can be granted to ensure their safety and protection.
- Deportation or Entry Ban: In cases where a deportation decision has been made or an entry ban is in place, but it is not reasonable or possible for the foreigner to leave Turkey, a humanitarian residence permit may be issued.
- Return to First Country of Asylum or Safe Third Country: During the process of returning an applicant to their first country of asylum or a safe third country, humanitarian residence permits can be granted to facilitate this transition.
- Urgent Reasons or National Interests: Foreigners may be allowed to enter and stay in Turkey for urgent reasons or to protect national interests, public order, and public security.
- Extraordinary Circumstances: In exceptional cases not covered by other categories, humanitarian residence permits may be granted at the discretion of the authorities.
Key Points to Note:
- Holders of humanitarian residence permits are not entitled to apply for long-term residence permits.
- They must register with the address registry system within twenty working days of the permit’s issuance.
- The permit can be renewed, but it is typically granted for a maximum of one year at a time.
By providing these humanitarian residence permits, Turkey offers legal protection to individuals facing extraordinary challenges, ensuring they can remain in the country safely until their situation improves or alternative arrangements are made.