The TRNC Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced a significant regulation to ensure that work permit procedures for foreign nationals are conducted more effectively and in compliance with existing legislation. As of 13 April 2026, the committee application process for overdue work permit applications has been removed.
Background
Article 36 of the Work Permits for Foreign Nationals Regulation previously allowed employers who, for justifiable reasons, were unable to complete their applications within the prescribed period to apply for committee review under certain conditions. However, reviews by the Ministry revealed that this exceptional provision was being misused in some cases.
It was observed that legal deadlines were being disregarded and applications were deliberately delayed to be processed through the committee route. Meanwhile, inspections by the Police General Directorate found that foreign workers whose work permits had expired and whose applications remained incomplete had fallen into unlawful residence status, causing hardship for both employees and employers.
Changes Now in Effect
The following measures have been implemented to address these issues:
- Committee application process removed: As of 13 April 2026, the "reasonable period committee application" option on the portal has been discontinued.
- Legal deadlines are now mandatory: All applications, including work permits, business establishment permits, student work permits, work permit extensions, and horizontal transfers, must be submitted within the prescribed legal periods.
- Late applications will not be accepted: Applications submitted outside legal deadlines will be rejected and assessed in accordance with current legislation.
Important Notice for Employers
With this regulation, compliance with legal timelines in work permit processes is no longer optional — it is mandatory. Failure to meet deadlines may result in rejected applications, foreign employees falling into unlawful residence status, and employers facing legal penalties.
Employers are strongly advised to closely monitor their work permit timelines and ensure all applications are completed within the prescribed legal periods to avoid any adverse consequences.
