Filo Jet disaster: New residency exemptions for foreign victims' families

New residency regulations have been enacted following the sinking of the Filo Jet passenger ship off the coast of Kyrenia on August 30. The Council of Ministers approved the Residence Permits and Visas (Amendment) Regulation, which was published in the Official Gazette on September 14, 2026.

The regulation provides a six-month residency exemption for foreign nationals who survived the accident, as well as the families and relatives of those who died or remain missing. This measure is intended to allow these individuals to file lawsuits, attend court hearings, and follow legal proceedings within the Northern Cyprus courts without paying residency fees.

The six-month exemption may be extended for an additional six months for individuals who initiate legal action within the first period, provided their names are reported by the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia to the relevant authorities and the court case number is submitted. To qualify, individuals must not have entry bans, deportation orders, or active judicial warrants against them.