Minister requests information over Türkiye entry restrictions
A MINISTER has requested information from the Turkish authorities regarding TRNC citizens barred from entering Türkiye.
The issue was brought to light once again recently when an official from the Communal Democracy Party (TDP) was reportedly refused entry into Türkiye at İstanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen airport.
Speaking during a debate in Parliament on Monday, Tufan Erhürman, head of the main opposition Republican
Turkish Party (CTP), highlighted the apprehension among various political opposition groups on this issue.
He emphasised that it is wrong to ban entry in the absence of any genuine security threat.
Erhürman called for clarity on whether this practice will continue, urging the government to make a statement to Parliament on the matter.
Erhürman said the practice causes “anxiety” among some when travelling to Türkiye with their families or planning to do so.
He contended that such measures stand on shaky legal ground, citing examples from Turkish statutes.
Banning entry due to “political views” is “unacceptable”, Erhürman said, adding that individuals should be informed of the reason for not being allowed into Türkiye.
Pointing out the need for the government to provide information on this matter, Erhürman said that this issue has now turned into a “grievous situation” that harms relations between the two countries.
In response, Interior Minister Dursun Oğuz acknowledged the matter and confirmed that requests for information from the Turkish authorities have been made.
Oğuz underscored the ongoing collaboration between the two nations on this front, affirming that these concerns have been conveyed at the highest level.
“It is wrong for there to be uncertainty up to the point of entry. . . The necessary explanation will be given.”
Oğuz stressed the necessity for streamlined systems, including those addressing irregular immigration and evisa procedures, alongside mechanisms to mitigate uncertainty.
Each country decides who can enter through its borders, he stressed, adding that requests for a list of TRNC citizens barred from entering Türkiye and the reasons for denial, if available, have been made.