Arnavutköy is one of the removal centers located in Istanbul. In addition to Arnavutköy, other removal centers in Istanbul include Selimpaşa (Silivri), Tuzla, Çatalca/İnceğiz, and Binkılıç.
Foreign nationals apprehended on the European side of Istanbul are generally referred to the Arnavutköy Removal Center (GGM).
Foreigners detained by law enforcement units (police, gendarmerie, or coast guard) are transferred to the appropriate removal center within 48 hours, according to the plan of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
Legal Basis: Article 57 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK) —
“Foreigners under administrative detention shall be taken to removal centers within 48 hours by the law enforcement unit that made the arrest.”
In Practice:
This distribution is not an official rule but depends on the capacity, security, and logistical planning of the Migration Management Directorate.
If a foreigner has been issued a deportation order or if a “voluntary departure process” (invitation to leave) cannot be applied, the individual may be kept under administrative detention at a removal center.
Reasons for Deportation According to Article 54 of YUKK:
Duration of administrative detention:
The standard duration is 6 months, which can be extended for another 6 months (a total of 12 months maximum).
However, if the foreigner does not file a lawsuit, these time limits do not apply; once the necessary documents and budget allocations are completed, the person may be deported. These time limits apply only to those who have filed a lawsuit.
Arnavutköy Removal Center Address:
Located around Hadımköy or Tayakadın, operating under the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
Migration Management Communication Center (YİMER 157):
A 24/7 multilingual support hotline.
The process at the Arnavutköy Removal Center is a complex legal and administrative procedure involving detention and deportation decisions.
In this process:
If your relative is being held at the Arnavutköy Removal Center or a deportation process has been initiated, you should seek support from a lawyer specialized in foreigners and immigration law.
Phone: +90 551 939 66 88
E-mail: [email protected] | [email protected]
1. Where is the Arnavutköy Removal Center located?
It is located within the Arnavutköy district of Istanbul (Hadımköy–Tayakadın region) and operates under the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
2. From which police stations are foreigners sent to Arnavutköy?
In practice, foreigners apprehended on the European side of Istanbul are usually sent to Arnavutköy GGM (for example, from Arnavutköy, Başakşehir, Küçükçekmece, Esenyurt, Avcılar, Beylikdüzü, Gaziosmanpaşa, Kağıthane, Şişli, Sarıyer, Eyüpsultan, etc.).
However, there is no official police station–center list; the transfer depends on the planning of the Migration Management Directorate.
3. Why are foreigners held in removal centers?
According to Articles 54 and 57 of YUKK, administrative detention may be applied for reasons such as public order/security risks, use of false documents, visa or residence violations, or risk of absconding.
4. How long can a person stay in Arnavutköy GGM?
The standard detention period is 6 months, extendable to 12 months. If a lawsuit is filed within 7 days, deportation is suspended until the case concludes.
5. What are the living conditions like?
Basic accommodation, nutrition, and health services are provided. Clothing and hygiene needs are met. The center has communal areas, prayer rooms, and medical units.
6. Do detainees have the right to meet with their lawyer?
Yes. Detainees may meet privately with their lawyer in accordance with confidentiality principles.
7. What should relatives of detainees do?
Contact the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management or the Arnavutköy Removal Center directly.
Through a lawyer, obtain information about the case, collect documents (passport, ID, etc.), and ensure the 7-day lawsuit deadline is not missed.
8. Are health services provided in the center?
Yes. A medical unit operates within the center; emergency cases are referred to nearby hospitals.
9. Can families provide clothing or food from outside?
Yes, but deliveries must comply with the center’s internal security and delivery rules. Items are checked before acceptance.
10. Are children kept in the center?
Yes. Family unity is preserved; unaccompanied minors are housed in child support institutions.
11. How to appeal a deportation decision?
An appeal must be filed within 7 days before the relevant administrative court. Filing the lawsuit suspends deportation.
12. How to appeal an administrative detention decision?
A lawyer may apply to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace, which decides within 5 days.
13. Do detainees have the right to communicate?
Yes. They can contact their family, lawyer, or consulate via the center’s telephones. Visits are permitted on certain days.
14. Can consulates or international organizations visit the center?
Yes. The UNHCR and relevant consular representatives may conduct visits.
15. How does the release or deportation process work?
The Migration Directorate decides based on the person’s case, country acceptance, and available documentation. Alternative measures (Article 57/A, such as signature obligations) may be applied.
16. What is the capacity of Arnavutköy GGM?
Independent reports indicate that Arnavutköy GGM has a high capacity and is primarily used for male detainees, though this may vary over time.
17. What are the visiting hours?
Visiting days and hours vary periodically; please confirm with the center before visiting.
18. Are religious needs met?
Yes. There are prayer areas and freedom of religion is respected.
19. Can relatives from abroad visit detainees?
Yes, provided they have a valid visa or residence permit. Prior approval from the center is required.
