A deportation order (commonly called "deport") is issued by the governorship, either on its own initiative or on the instruction of the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi), and is notified, together with its reasons, to you, your legal representative or your lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, you must be informed of the consequences of the decision and of the ways and deadlines for challenging it. From this point on, the most important thing is time.
Who can be deported?
- Those who exceed their visa or visa exemption period by more than 10 days, or whose visa is cancelled
- Those who exceed their residence permit period by more than 10 days without an acceptable reason, or whose residence permit is cancelled
- Those found to be working without a work permit
- Those who breach, or attempt to breach, the rules on legal entry into and exit from the country
- Those who use false information or forged documents in entry, visa or residence procedures
- Those found to have come to Türkiye despite an entry ban
- Those considered to pose a threat to public order, public security or public health
People who cannot be deported
Even if they are in one of the situations above, the law prohibits deportation orders for certain people:
- Those for whom there are serious indications that they would face the death penalty, torture or inhuman treatment in the country they would be sent to
- Those for whom travel is considered risky because of a serious health problem, age or pregnancy
- Those receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness for which no treatment is available in the country they would be sent to
- Victims of human trafficking who are receiving support, and victims of violence until their treatment is completed
This assessment is made individually for each person. That is why medical reports, family ties and documents on the risks in your home country carry great weight in the case.
Administrative detention and removal centres
An administrative detention order may be issued for people who are at risk of absconding or disappearing, who breach the entry and exit rules, who use forged documents, who do not leave within the period given to them, or who are considered to pose a threat to public order. These people are taken to a removal centre (geri gönderme merkezi) within 48 hours.
- Detention may not exceed 6 months; in cases such as the person's failure to cooperate, it may be extended by a further 6 months at most.
- The governorship reviews every month whether continued detention is necessary.
- An administrative detention order can be challenged before the criminal judgeship of peace (sulh ceza hâkimliği); the judge decides within 5 days.
- Instead of detention, alternative obligations such as residing at a specified address, reporting regularly, providing a guarantee or electronic monitoring may also be applied.
Invitation to leave: departing by your own means
A deportation order may give you 15 to 30 days to leave Türkiye; in this case, a free Exit Permit Document (Çıkış İzin Belgesi) is issued. This period is not given where there is a risk of absconding, forged documents or a public order concern. An entry ban may not be imposed on those who leave within the period; those who miss it may face an administrative fine and a longer entry ban.
How long does an entry ban last?
Foreigners who are deported are given an entry ban. The ban lasts a maximum of 5 years; if there is a serious threat to public order or security, it may be extended by a further 10 years at most. Göç İdaresi may lift the ban or, while the ban is in force, allow entry for a specific period.
You can find out your likely ban period with the Deportation / Entry Ban Period Calculator, and the meaning of the code in the system with Restriction Code Lookup.
What to do in the first 7 days
- Get a copy of the notification and note the date of notification.
- See a lawyer without delay and give them power of attorney.
- Gather documents showing your family ties in Türkiye, how long you have lived here, your state of health and the risks in your home country.
- File the case within 7 days and also inform the authority that made the decision of your application.
- The court decides within 15 days once the file is complete; this decision is final.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I have to appeal a deportation order?
A case can be filed with the administrative court against a deportation order within 7 days of notification of the decision.
Will I be deported if I go to court?
During the period for filing a case and until the case is decided, you will not be deported unless you consent. However, an administrative detention order is a separate decision; it is challenged before the criminal judgeship of peace.
Can I enter Türkiye again after being deported?
You can enter once the entry ban has expired. While the ban is still in force, Göç İdaresi may lift it or allow you to enter for a specific period; these applications require strong reasons and supporting documents.
Legal basis: 6458 sayılı YUKK Art. 9, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 57/A.
This guide is for general information only and does not replace legal advice. Legislation and practice may change; always consult an expert about your own situation.
