Five individuals detained for living in north Cyprus without resident permit about to be deported

Five individuals who were caught in Lefkosa, north Cyprus will be detained for three days as part of the investigation due to their lack of legal status in the country.

The five individuals, ASMM, MSM, MRM, MSH and HR who are all Bangladeshi nationals, were arrested on Sunday February 2 for residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without permission.

They were brought before the Lefkosia District Court on Monday morning.

Police in a court statement said during an inspection and immigration check conducted by a police team on Girne Gate Istanbul Street in Lefkosia at around 6:00 pm on February 2, 2025, it was determined that HR had been residing in TRNC without legal status for 402 days since December 28, 2023; ASMM for 400 days since December 30, 2023; MSM for 74 days since December 30, 2024; MRM for 415 days since December 15, 2023; and MSH for 557 days since July 26, 2023. 

The police reported that the suspects were arrested and an investigation was launched.

The officer added that they would investigate whether the suspects were involved in any crimes in TRNC or had been working illegally, and that they would conduct inquiries with the Ministry of Labor. He also stated that the necessary paperwork for the suspects’ deportation would be prepared and requested a three-day extension for their detention.

The suspects, speaking in court, stated that they wished to return to their home country as soon as possible.

The judge after evaluating the testimony, ordered the suspects to remain in custody for three days.