Humanitarian Residence Permit: What Is It, and Who Might Be Eligible?
A humanitarian residence permit is a type of residence permit that may be granted at the discretion of the competent authorities in certain exceptional and extraordinary circumstances, even if the conditions for standard types of residence permits are not met. It is not a “right” that anyone can make an application for and obtain; the individual’s specific circumstances are evaluated as a whole, and the decision rests with the discretion of the administrative authority.
What is a humanitarian residence permit?
A humanitarian residence permit is a special type of residence permit that may be granted when the conditions for standard types of residence—such as short-term residence permit, family residence permit, student residence permit, or long-term residence permit—cannot be met, taking into account the exceptional and extraordinary circumstances in which the individual finds themselves.
This residence permit is not a “shortcut” that replaces the standard types of residency. Its purpose is to provide a legal basis for a person’s stay in Turkey in certain sensitive situations.
A humanitarian residence permit is subject to the discretion of the authorities. The fulfillment of some of the conditions does not guarantee that the permit will be granted; each case is evaluated on its own merits.
In what situations might this come up?
The following are examples of situations in which humanitarian residency may be considered; the exact scope is determined based on current legislation and the administration’s assessment:
Situations in which the best interests of the child must be taken into account.
Cases in which, although a deportation decision has been made or an entry ban has been imposed on the individual, their departure from the country is not possible or is not deemed appropriate for specific reasons.
Emergencies and similar exceptional circumstances approved by management.
Individuals whose cases are pending or who are deemed to be in a special situation that makes it appropriate for them to remain in Turkey.
How is it evaluated?
Unlike standard residence permit applications, applications for a humanitarian residence permit are subject to an assessment that takes into account the applicant’s entire situation (family ties, health, safety, legal proceedings, the situation of any children, etc.).
For this reason, it is important to demonstrate with concrete evidence in the file why the situation is exceptional. The assessment and conclusion are at the discretion of the competent authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone submit an application for a humanitarian residence permit?
No. A humanitarian residence permit is a permit granted at the discretion of the authorities in certain exceptional circumstances where the conditions for standard types of residence permits are not met. It should not be considered a routine application process.
If I meet the requirements, will I definitely be granted a humanitarian residence permit?
No. The presence of certain conditions does not guarantee that permission will be granted. The decision is at the discretion of the competent authorities, based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s circumstances.
Can someone with an entry ban or a restriction code obtain humanitarian residency?
It may come up in certain exceptional cases, but this is not an automatic outcome. Entry bans or restrictions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; each case is reviewed based on its own circumstances.
Is a humanitarian residence permit valid indefinitely?
Humanitarian residence permits are granted for specific periods and are subject to evaluation for extension or renewal based on certain conditions. The duration and conditions vary depending on the case and applicable regulations.
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This guide has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. A humanitarian residence permit is an exceptional and discretionary type of permit; its scope and consequences vary according to current legislation and the assessment of the competent authorities. Atasa Danışmanlık is not an official public institution; the final assessment and decision rest with the competent public authorities.
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