Introduction
Across Türkiye, the detention and deportation procedures of foreigners are carried out under the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP). Within this framework, the Çankırı Removal Center is one of the main facilities in the Central Anatolia Region where foreigners who have been issued a deportation order or placed under administrative detention are held.
The center in Çankırı is managed by the Directorate General of Migration Management and oversees both the administrative detention process and the enforcement of deportation decisions. However, these procedures often involve human rights violations, communication barriers, lack of legal assistance, or notification errors. For that reason, understanding the legal aspects of the process is extremely important for both foreigners and their families.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on the Çankırı Removal Center process, administrative detention decisions, appeal procedures, rights, and the importance of lawyer support.
The Çankırı Removal Center is located at Abdülhalik Renda Mahallesi, Ankara Caddesi No: 363, Çankırı Merkez. It is one of the key removal centers in Central Anatolia and receives transfers from surrounding provinces such as Ankara, Eskişehir, Kastamonu, and Bolu.
The facility covers approximately 45,000 m², equipped with high-security systems and modern infrastructure, including closed-circuit surveillance. There are units for healthcare, accommodation, nutrition, religious needs, and social activities.
Removal centers are administrative facilities where foreigners who have been issued a deportation order or whose legal stay in Türkiye has ended are temporarily held.
Prohibition of Refoulement
No foreigner may be returned to a country where they would be at risk of torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment. This rule is absolute under international human rights conventions and Article 38 of the Turkish Constitution.
3.1. Administrative Detention Decision
The Governor’s Office (through the Migration Directorate) may decide to detain a foreigner in the following cases:
Once this decision is made, the individual is transferred to the Çankırı Removal Center for administrative detention.
3.2. Duration of Detention
3.3. Alternative Measures
Courts or the Migration Directorate may impose alternative measures for those who challenge deportation:
Foreigners must be held under humane conditions. These rights are protected by both national and international law.
4.1. Right to Information
The deportation and detention decisions must be communicated in a language the foreigner understands, either directly or via an interpreter. The decision must specify the reasons and the legal remedies available.
4.2. Right to Access a Lawyer
Every foreigner has the right to meet with a lawyer of their choice.
4.3. Right to Family and Consular Contact
Foreigners can communicate with their families by phone or visits, and their consulate must be informed of their situation.
4.4. Health, Food, and Accommodation
Medical care must be provided within the center. Separate areas exist for men, women, and children, with regular meals, hygiene supplies, prayer areas, and access to open air.
5.1. Appeal against Administrative Detention
The detention decision can be challenged before the competent magistrate’s court. However, this route is only meaningful after filing a lawsuit against the deportation order; otherwise, it does not prevent deportation.
Legal representation and correct handling of appeals are crucial in such cases.
The Çankırı Removal Center is a significant part of Türkiye’s administrative detention system. However, it directly concerns fundamental rights and freedoms, not just an administrative measure. Therefore, obtaining professional legal support, monitoring the process, and exercising appeal rights properly are vital for foreigners and their families.
Keleş Law & Consultancy Office provides effective legal solutions against unlawful detention, deportation, or restriction decisions arising from the Çankırı Removal Center process.
1. Where is the Çankırı Removal Center and how can one reach it?
It is located at Abdülhalik Renda Mahallesi, Ankara Caddesi No: 363, Çankırı Merkez.
Transportation is available from Çankırı city center by shuttle or private vehicle. The center is about 130 km from Ankara. Visiting days and hours are set by the Migration Directorate and require an appointment.
2. What is a removal center?
A removal center is an administrative facility where foreigners subject to deportation or whose legal stay has expired are temporarily detained. They are not prisoners but administrative detainees. The purpose is to verify identity, prepare for return, and complete administrative procedures.
3. In what cases is the Çankırı Removal Center used?
It generally houses foreigners who:
4. How long can a person be detained?
5. What is an administrative detention decision?
It is a written decision by the Governor’s Office ordering that a foreigner be held in a removal center. Its purpose is not punishment but ensuring safe deportation. The decision must be served with interpretation.
6. How to appeal an administrative detention decision?
The lawyer must apply to the competent magistrate’s court within 7 days. The judge decides within 5 days.
7. How to file a lawsuit against a deportation order?
An annulment action must be filed before the competent administrative court within 7 days, including a request for stay of execution.
If granted, deportation is suspended until judgment. Lawyer representation is highly recommended.
8. Can a detainee meet with a lawyer?
Yes. Meetings are arranged through appointments and the lawyer’s bar ID must be presented.
9. Can family members visit?
Yes, with appointment on designated days. Visits last 15–30 minutes, and detainees may call family weekly.
10. What health and food services are provided?
Medical staff are available 24 hours a day.
Emergency cases are referred to state hospitals.
Three meals daily, drinking water, hygiene materials, and gender-specific sections are provided.
11. Are children or pregnant women held?
Children are not detained alone. If with family, family unity is maintained.
Pregnant, disabled, or seriously ill persons may be subject to alternative measures such as residence or signature obligations.
12. Can international protection be applied for?
Yes, with lawyer assistance.
13. What is the prohibition of refoulement?
No person may be returned to a country where they face torture, ill-treatment, or death. This principle is protected by Turkish law and international conventions but must be supported by evidence.
14. Who reviews detention decisions?
The Migration Directorate reviews each case monthly. Detention may be lifted if reasons no longer exist. The person or lawyer may request review based on new circumstances.
15. Can a person be released from the Çankırı Removal Center?
Yes, if:
16. What are the appeal deadlines?
17. Can appeals be filed without a lawyer?
No. Because detainees cannot directly file, appeals and lawsuits must be initiated by their lawyers.
18. What if the detainee wishes to leave Türkiye voluntarily?
They may apply for voluntary return through their lawyer and submit proof of travel expenses. Detention then ends, and the Migration Directorate arranges travel and escorts them to the airport.
19. Where to obtain legal assistance?
Private lawyers provide continuous communication and case monitoring.
Keleş Law & Consultancy Office professionally handles appeals, annulments, and release requests for foreigners detained in removal centers.
20. What can be done in case of mistreatment or rights violations?
Complaints can be filed to:
21. From which provinces does the Çankırı Center accept foreigners?
Mostly from Ankara, Eskişehir, Kastamonu, Karabük, Bolu, Bartın, Sinop, and nearby provinces.
It functions as a regional temporary detention facility.
22. Can relatives obtain information about the detainee?
Yes. Family members, lawyers, or consulates may request information.
However, due to privacy laws, detailed data are shared only with lawyers or official relatives.
23. What if the detainee loses documents or passport?
The Migration Directorate contacts the person’s consulate to obtain a laissez-passer or return certificate.
Detention continues until identification is verified.
24. If the deportation order is annulled, is the person released immediately?
Yes.
Once the court annuls the deportation, the person must be released within 1–3 days, and deportation procedures stop.
25. How can Keleş Law & Consultancy Office assist?
Keleş Law provides:
