A human rights organisation in the north expressed concern on Monday over the continued practice of barring Turkish Cypriots from entering Turkey and sending them back to the occupied areas on the basis of “security codes”.
In a written statement, the organisation said the practice lacked transparency, as affected individuals are not informed of the specific reasons why they are considered a threat to Turkey’s national security.
It also warned that the issue creates serious practical obstacles, particularly for those who do not hold a Republic of Cyprus passport and rely only on documents issued in the occupied areas. In such cases, a ban on entry to, or transit through, Turkey effectively restricts their ability to travel abroad.
The organisation also raised concerns over the impact of the practice on freedom of expression in the north. It called for an end to measures that create uncertainty, urging transparency over the reasons for entry bans, respect for fundamental rights and the creation of effective appeal mechanisms.
Source: CNA