Removal of Ç-114 Deportation Code in Turkey

The Ç-114 deportation code is a legal restriction imposed under Turkish Law on foreigners involved in criminal activity and subject to legal proceedings before Turkish authorities. When a foreign national is assigned the Ç-114 deportation code, their entry into Turkey is prohibited for two years. There are legal remedies, such as filing a lawsuit or making an administrative application, that can lead to the removal of the Ç-114 deportation code. However, unless such action is taken or the two-year period elapses, the foreigner cannot enter Turkey. This article explains all relevant aspects under Turkish law in detail.

What Is the Ç-114 Deportation Code under Turkish Law?

The Ç-114 deportation code is entered into Turkey’s official system for foreigners who have engaged in criminal activity and have had their visa, work permit, or residence permit revoked due to judicial proceedings. Once this code is imposed, the foreigner is banned from entering Turkey for a period of two years.

Unless the Ç-114 deportation code is removed by a court decision or by the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management, the foreigner cannot obtain a visa and therefore cannot enter Turkey.

Deportation and restriction codes are maintained within the records of the Directorate General of Migration Management, similar to the criminal record system for Turkish citizens. Every foreigner has a separate file in this registry, and the Ç-114 code will be noted on this record when imposed.

Why Is the Ç-114 Deportation Code Imposed in Turkey?

The Ç-114 deportation code is imposed in order to prohibit foreign nationals who have been involved in criminal offenses during their stay in Turkey from re-entering Turkey for two years. Once the foreigner’s involvement in a crime is identified, the code is directly recorded in their official file by the relevant Turkish provincial authorities. Besides, if there is a different code to be imposed under regulations, the foreigners may face additional deportation codes such as G-34 deportation code, G-87-deportation code or G-82 restriction code.

How to Remove the Ç-114 Deportation Code in Turkey

The Ç-114 deportation code can be removed either through a judicial review by filing for annulment in Turkish administrative courts or by submitting an objection to the Directorate General of Migration Management.

Administrative Objection Process for Ç-114 Code Removal in Turkey

Foreigners issued the Ç-114 deportation code may submit a formal objection to the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Genel Müdürlüğü) in Turkey, requesting the removal of the code. The objection must be made by submitting a reasoned written petition. The deadline for submitting this objection is within 60 days from the date when the code is formally notified to the foreigner.

Filing an administrative objection is not a mandatory step; foreigners may instead directly file a cancellation lawsuit in the Turkish administrative courts. However, please note that once a lawsuit is filed, it is no longer possible to submit an objection to the administrative authority. Practically, submitting an objection first is often advisable because it may lead to a quicker resolution.

If the competent authority rejects the objection, fails to respond within 30 days, or provides an uncertain response, the foreigner may file a cancellation lawsuit in the administrative court.

Lawsuit for Removal of the Ç-114 Deportation Code before Turkish Administrative Courts

If you wish to challenge the Ç-114 deportation code in Turkey, a lawsuit must be filed within 60 days from the date on which the code is officially notified to the foreigner. If there was no formal notification, the 60-day period is calculated from the day the foreigner learns about the code.

The case must be filed at the competent Turkish Administrative Court with the Directorate General of Migration Management as the defendant.

IMPORTANT: In practice, Turkish authorities may assign the Ç-114 deportation code to a foreigner as soon as a criminal investigation begins, without waiting for the final judicial outcome or a court verdict. This practice violates Article 38 of the Turkish Constitution, which enshrines the presumption of innocence, since everyone must be considered innocent until proven guilty.

Furthermore, it is observed in Turkey that actions and permit cancellations are sometimes taken solely based on complaints, even before judicial proceedings conclude. Therefore, foreigners whose residence permits are cancelled should consider filing a suit against the cancellation decision or, if the Ç-114 deportation code has already been imposed, file an annulment case against the code itself.

Also, in Turkey, if the public prosecutor’s office finds that there are no grounds for prosecution or investigation, or if the court acquits the foreigner, imposing a Ç-114 deportation code in these situations is clearly unlawful.

Legal petitions to the Turkish court must clearly argue these issues and present solid legal justifications for lifting the code. The petitions should also comply with the procedural requirements set out in Turkish Law; otherwise, the petition might be rejected procedurally or lead to an unfavorable outcome. It is strongly advised to consult a Turkish immigration lawyer specializing in the field to ensure the process is managed correctly.

Lawsuits to Challenge Deportation (Removal) Decisions under Turkish Law

A foreigner who wishes to challenge a deportation order in Turkey must file a cancellation lawsuit against the order. This lawsuit must be brought within 7 days following the formal notification of the deportation decision by Turkish authorities. If the cancellation lawsuit is not successful, there is no possibility to appeal to a higher national court; however, it is still possible to apply to the Turkish Constitutional Court with a request for an immediate injunctive measure.

In Turkey, lawsuits to cancel deportation orders generally take about one year. During this period, the foreigner is protected from being deported. A lawsuit against a deportation decision must be filed within 7 days of notification.

IMPORTANT: In Turkish practice, it is essential to file the lawsuit against deportation within the legal time limit and as quickly as possible, because authorities may act rapidly and proceed with removal before the 7-day appeal period has elapsed, putting the foreigner at risk of deportation. To avoid such issues, it is crucial to take swift action and initiate the annulment lawsuit.

For detailed information about deportation decisions and lifting deportation orders in Turkey, see: “How to Cancel a Deportation (Removal) Order?”

Challenging Detention or Placement in Removal Centers in Turkey

Foreigners in Turkey who have been assigned a restriction code or face deportation may be placed in removal (repatriation) centers by Turkish authorities. While this is commonly referred to as “detention”, legally it is considered administrative detention at a removal center under Turkish regulations.

If a foreigner wishes to be released from a removal center in Turkey, they may file an objection with the Turkish Magistrates’ Court for Criminal Peace (Sulh Ceza Mahkemesi). The objection must be well-argued in law and should detail all relevant evidence—especially that there is no risk the person will escape or disappear.

For further information about removal centers in Turkey and how to challenge administrative detention orders, see: “Objection to Administrative Detention at a Removal Center”.

How Long Does It Take to Remove the Ç-114 Code in Turkey?

Administrative petitions submitted to the Directorate General of Migration Management regarding the Ç-114 deportation code are generally resolved within about three months. Lawsuits in Turkish administrative courts to remove the code typically last about one year.

Delays may occur if the objection petition does not clearly state the grounds, incomplete documents are provided, or the responsible administrative office has a high workload. Likewise, if the lawsuit is rejected and appealed, the appeal and subsequent review procedures may further extend the duration.

Legal Costs and Fees for Challenging the Ç-114 Code in Turkey

The average initial cost of a lawsuit to challenge the Ç-114 deportation code in Turkey is around 6,000 Turkish Lira.