Job Discussion Forums

[teachinggypsy]

Hi folks,

I have been in Turkey now for going on 8 years and have had a residence permit for nearly five of those years. Trouble is, I have never missed a renewal until now. I was quite ill for a time and just let it slide and slide. Now it is around six months overdue. Anyone have anything like this happen before? Will I be fined or will they just automatically tell me I have to leave? I am pretty nervous about this as it would be a real pain to have to dismantle my life and have to go back to the States to reassemble it. Any views and/or experiences you have regarding this issue would be appreciated.

[spiral78]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=83604

Here's an example from earlier this year.

[teachinggypsy]

Yeah I read that, thanks. I guess I am slightly paranoid that I'll be deported. Even if the fine is exorbitant I won't really mind. I am just concerned about having to leave.

[spiral78]

I really dunno, and probably no-one can accurately predict what might happen in any individual case.

I suppose you can point to your previous good record of compliance and if you've got some documentation of your illness that might be helpful...
humility usually works to some degree with low-level bureaucracy.

The best I can do is to wish you very good luck - hopefully it will all be OK!

[markcmc]

I think Spiral is right that no one can know this. Good luck!

[SAM31]

As Spiral said- each case can be treated differently, but I've heard of large fines and a certain extended period that you have to stay 'out' (possibly even returning to your home country) that depends on the length of time you have overstayed.
So- a weekend in Greece won't do it. I'd also be wary of anyone who tells you that it will, as the border officials may well have a different idea (someone I know had an experience like this and ended up spending a very costly several months out of the country with only the stuff they'd taken for the weekend).
I wish I could say'but, on the bright side...' , but unfortunately, I don't think there is one- the longer you leave it, the bigger the fine will get and the longer you may have to stay out. Probably best to deal with it sooner rather than later .... Good luck

[littledoubty]

Well, I know that as soon as you are about to leave the country, they will give you a fine and certainly you won't be able to enter for at least three months (someone told me you are banned for as long as you overstayed, but then I heard otherwise again, namely: overstay time-3 months).

The amount of the fine is somehow related to your country of citizenship.
I know this because I did the same, and yes, it was not a pleasant experience. You will have to leave Turkey for some time, that is pretty sure unfortunately. The earlier you leave, the faster you can come back in, but whatever you will do, I wish you good luck.

[Kirkpatrick]

Yup 3 months out.. Just heard of a guy with this problem yesterday..