Best Immigration Lawyers in İskenderun

About Immigration Law in İskenderun, Turkey

İskenderun, located in Hatay province on the southern coast of Turkey, is both a vibrant port city and a significant crossroads for international movement due to its proximity to the Syrian border and the Eastern Mediterranean. Immigration law in İskenderun is governed by national Turkish legislation, notably the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP), and administered by local branches of the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM). Common immigration matters include residence permits, work permits, asylum seeking, family reunification, citizenship applications, and deportation proceedings.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration processes can be complex and involve considerable paperwork and legal requirements. You may require legal assistance in situations such as:

• Obtaining, renewing, or appealing the denial of a residence or work permit.
• Facing deportation or removal proceedings.
• Seeking asylum or protection as a refugee.
• Applying for Turkish citizenship through naturalization or investment.
• Dealing with family reunification or marriage procedures involving non-Turkish nationals.
• Understanding your legal rights and obligations as a foreigner in Turkey.
• Handling disputes with employers, landlords, or local authorities related to your immigration status.
• Ensuring compliance with changes in local or national legislation.

Local Laws Overview

İskenderun follows Turkish national laws regarding immigration, implemented locally by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Key legal aspects include:

• Residence Permits: Foreigners must apply for residence permits for stays exceeding 90 days, with various categories such as student, family, long-term, and humanitarian permits.
• Work Permits: Required for most employment by non-Turkish citizens; these are issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, often with employer sponsorship.
• Temporary Protection: Syrian nationals and some others may be eligible for temporary protection status, allowing legal residence and limited work rights.
• Asylum and Refugee Status: Asylum claims must be made to the Provincial Directorate, with complex procedures and waiting periods for decisions.
• Deportation and Detention: Foreigners can face deportation for violations such as overstaying, working illegally, or committing crimes. There are appeal processes for removal decisions.
• Civil Status and Family Law: Marriages with Turkish nationals, child registrations, and family reunification are subject to Turkish civil and immigration law.
• Registration Requirements: All foreigners must register their address and update the authorities about changes within a set period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of residence permits are available in İskenderun?

Residence permits include short-term, family, student, long-term, humanitarian, and permits for victims of trafficking. The appropriate type depends on the purpose of your stay.

How do I apply for a work permit in İskenderun?

Work permit applications are typically made online by your employer to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Once approved, a work permit card is issued and registered locally.

Can I extend my tourist visa or stay longer than 90 days?

Stays longer than 90 days require you to apply for an appropriate residence permit before your visa or visa-exempt period expires.

What should I do if my residency or work permit application is rejected?

You have the right to appeal the decision. Legal assistance is strongly recommended to ensure your appeal is properly filed and supported.

How can I bring my family to live with me in İskenderun?

Family residence permits can be issued for spouses, minor children, and dependent adult children. Applications must meet specific requirements related to income and accommodation.

What rights do refugees or asylum seekers have in İskenderun?

Refugees and those under temporary protection enjoy certain rights, including legal residence, limited access to work permits, education, and health services, subject to Turkish law.

What happens if I overstay my visa or permit?

Overstaying can result in fines, entry bans, or deportation. It is crucial to regularize your stay before your current status expires.

Can I become a Turkish citizen, and how?

Foreigners may apply for citizenship after legally residing in Turkey for five years or through exceptional means such as investment or marriage. Each route requires meeting detailed criteria.

Where do I submit my immigration documents in İskenderun?

Most applications are submitted online first, with supporting documents filed or appointments attended at the İskenderun office of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Can I appeal a deportation decision in İskenderun?

Yes, deportation decisions can be appealed in administrative courts. Prompt legal action is essential, as deadlines for appeal are short.

Additional Resources

If you are seeking guidance or support regarding immigration matters in İskenderun, consider reaching out to the following:

• İskenderun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management: The main governmental body handling migration processes.
• Bar Association Legal Aid: Offers information about qualified lawyers and, in some cases, access to legal aid for those with limited resources.
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): Provides assistance to asylum-seekers and refugees.
• International and Local NGOs: Organizations such as the Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (SGDD-ASAM) and others offer counseling, referrals, and support.
• Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM): National authority for all matters related to foreigners, refugees, and migration in Turkey.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with immigration issues in İskenderun:

• Gather all relevant documents, including passports, permits, application forms, correspondence, and any notices from authorities.
• Contact the İskenderun Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for initial information or to schedule appointments.
• Consider consulting a qualified immigration lawyer registered with the local Bar Association to understand your options and rights.
• If facing urgent issues such as deportation or detention, seek immediate legal advice and representation, as response times for appeals are limited.
• Stay informed about your responsibilities to maintain legal status and promptly handle any updates or changes to your circumstances.