Citizens of Syria, Nigeria and Armenia will be the first covered by a new electronic entry procedure introduced by the Turkish Cypriot administration. The system will replace the existing “consular visa” process for these countries.
Turkish Cypriot “prime minister” Ünal Üstel said the aim was to combat irregular migration and protect public order and security.
Checks to begin before arrival
According to Turkish Cypriot media, Üstel said the authorities needed to know who was arriving, the purpose of their visit, when they would enter and under what status.
“Everyone entering the country must be registered,” he said.
Üstel said checks would no longer begin only at the “border gates”, as the necessary security screening could be carried out before a person arrived.
Applications will undergo a preliminary assessment by the “immigration department”. The opinion of the “police” and other competent bodies will also be sought, depending on the purpose of the visit.
Electronic procedure for foreign students
The system will also introduce a more controlled procedure for foreign students. “Universities” will be required to submit prospective students’ information and documents electronically to the “immigration department”.
The department will assess each application, taking into account the opinion of the “police”. If approved, the student will be permitted entry.
Syrian, Nigerian and Armenian students who require visas will be able to travel after completing the electronic visa procedure.
Approved students will automatically be assigned an “individual identity number”. Their details will remain on record from their entry through enrolment and their period of study at the “university”.
Source: CNA
