Turkey: Residence Restrictions Now Also Impact Foreign Workers

The Turkish Migration Directorate now prohibits work permit holders from registering an address in certain designated neighbourhoods, considered as having an excessive foreign national population. Additionally, the number of designated neighbourhoods increased to 1,169, up from 781. Previously, residence permit applicants (including dependent family and those seeking in-country change of status from tourist to work authorized) were already prevented from obtaining a residence permit if living in these neighbourhoods. Under the new policy, work permit holders are also affected by these residence restrictions with regard to their address registration, even if residing in Turkey without accompanying family.