Foreign worker permits: late application committee route ends
A significant change to how foreign worker permits are handled in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is now in force. The regulation was published in the Official Gazette on 24 June 2025 and took effect on 13 April 2026. This article summarises what employers need to know.
What changed?
Under the previous practice, an employer who missed the statutory filing window could still cure the delay by making a reasonable time or committee application through the portal. The new regulation removes that committee route. Applications not filed on time are now rejected and dealt with under general legislation.
Which actions does it cover?
The regulation covers almost every permit action involving a foreign worker:
- Initial work permit applications
- Business establishment permits
- Student work permits
- Extensions and renewals
- Horizontal transfers (change of employer)
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security reiterated the framework in a notice dated 27 March 2026.
What it means for employers
For that reason, businesses employing foreign staff must manage their permit calendars carefully. Practical steps:
- Track each foreign worker's permit expiry in advance and do not leave renewals to the last day.
- For new hires, start the work permit process before the intended start date.
- Do not miss the statutory window for transfers and extensions.
For general obligations and required documents, see our North Cyprus Foreign Work Permits Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Has the committee route been removed entirely?
Yes. The reasonable time and committee route that cured late filings has been removed; applications not filed on time are rejected.
When did the regulation take effect?
It was published in the Official Gazette on 24 June 2025 and applied from 13 April 2026.
Which applications are affected?
All work permit actions, including initial permits, business establishment permits, student work permits, extensions and horizontal transfers.
Sources
- KTTO: New regulation on foreign work permits
- Department of Labour: Foreign work permits
- Kıbrıs Gazetesi: news report
This article is for general information; the process and deadlines can change with legislation. Contact us for a permit calendar tailored to your business.