Overstaying one's visa was not considered a serious issue
Overstaying one's visa was not considered a serious issue for a long time in Turkey. Although the law states that foreigners who stay longer than the 90-day (tourist) visa period would face sanctions, the authorities did not follow up on the violations by many visitors. However, a recent reader's letter said the authorities are now giving notices to foreigners who overstay the visa period. The letter reads as follows: "Hello Berk, The police at Dalaman airport have been informing foreigners that as of March 2008 there was a change in the law and the police are now issuing notices banning foreigners from entering Turkey for various periods because they have slightly overstayed their time limit on their visitors visa.However, the police will not tell the foreigners which act they are referring to. Which law is it and can they ban foreigners in this way? It seems to be a breach of their human rights not to tell them which law it is or to give them any hearing for right of appeal. John"
Dear John, Visa issues are not in my area of specialization, but I have checked the legislation at the foreigners department of police headquarters and found out that the legislation was changed last year. The reason for this regulation is to prevent citizens from certain countries from overstaying their visas. As you know, some people come and enjoy their visits in Turkey and then depart within the time allotted, but others come to find work here, stay illegally after their visas expire and never apply for a work permit.
If you think that your rights have been denied and that you have been harmed by the action of the police, please do not hesitate to apply to a court. I am sure that there will be no problems regarding your visit to Turkey.
Please let me know if you need further assistance and do not hesitate to send me your documents so that I can provide further insight about your specific problem. The following letters are related to real estate acquisition in Turkey.
"Hello, I refer to your article stating the following: 'A Turkish Constitutional Court ruling effective from today (April 16) has put a temporary halt on the sale of Turkish property to foreigners....' Regarding your article and this matter, I am awaiting deeds to my new property. Is there any indication as to when the second circular might be given? Thank you, Paul."
Dear Paul, the suspension is only temporary and this temporary suspension on property purchases by foreigners in Turkey will end very soon. The amended law will again allow foreigners to buy land and property in Turkey. The bill was voted on by the Turkish Parliament on June 11, but there were some final comments and revisions to it. We expect that the new law will go into effect by the beginning of July after the president ratifies it. I will certainly inform you when the new law is published in the Official Gazette.
I looked into the history of property sales to foreigners last week. I found that many times in Turkish history, different laws were made enabling foreigners to acquire property in Turkey and then they were revoked and then made again. 25/06/08 todayszaman.com
Berk Cektir info@berkcektirlaw.com http://www.berkcektir.av.tr/
The information provided here is intended to give basic legal information. You should get legal assistance from a licensed attorney at law while conducting legal transactions and not just rely on the information in this corner.
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