Turkish Parliament adopts draft law on foreigners and international protection

Turkish Parliament on Thursday adopted a draft law on foreigners and international protection. The adopted draft law harmonizes Turkey's laws on foreigners, foreigners' entry into Turkey, foreigners' stay in Turkey and foreigners' exit from Turkey with EU laws. According to the draft law, those individuals who are not citizens of any country in the world may be able to obtain an ID card in Turkey as a stateless individual. Those foreigners who stay in Turkey for a period of eight years with residence permit or those foreigners who meet the criteria set forth by the Migration Policies Board will be able to obtain a permanent residency permit. Foreigners who will stay in Turkey as a transit passenger may be required to obtain a transit visa, according to the draft law. The draft law makes it possible for victims of human trafficking to obtain residency permit in Turkey up to 30 days. According to the draft law, an individual may apply at a Turkish court to challenge a deportation decision against him/her in Turkey.