G – 42 Restriction Code: What Is It and How Is It Removed?

In the practice of foreigners law, the concept of “restriction codes” used in Turkey for entry, residence permits, and deportation procedures is highly critical. These codes systematically indicate whether foreign nationals are considered dangerous by the state, whether they have a criminal record, and whether their entry into the country is banned.

One of these codes, G-42, is particularly associated with narcotics (drug) offenses. Imposition of this code can lead to serious loss of rights for the individual, and the removal of the code is also an important process.

In this article, I will present a comprehensive guide starting from what the G-42 restriction code is; its effects, legal grounds, ways of removal, and practical tips.

1. G-Restriction Codes: General Overview

The concept of “G restriction code” refers to certain codes applied to foreigners visiting or residing in Turkey that indicate specific restrictions. Each of these codes corresponds to different types of crimes or violations.

For example:

• G-26: Illegal organization activities
• G-34: Forgery
• G-42: Narcotics (drug) offenses
• G-43: Smuggling
• G-48: Procuring/soliciting prostitution
• G-58: Homicide / murder
• G-64: Threat
• G-65: Theft
• G-67: Fraud
• G-82: Activities against national security
• G-87: Persons considered dangerous in terms of general security
  ... and similar codes.

These codes may lead to administrative sanctions such as an entry ban to Turkey, deportation, or rejection/annulment of visa/residence permits.

2. G-42 Restriction Code: Definition and Scope

2.1 What is G-42?

The G-42 restriction code is a special code assigned to a foreign national in Turkey upon an assessment that action has been taken due to one or more narcotics (drug) offenses.

Drug offenses include various sub-acts such as manufacturing, transportation, trafficking, and possession. The G-42 code can be triggered in the event of suspicion or determination regarding any of these offenses.

2.2 What Does the Application of the G-42 Code Mean?

If the G-42 code is imposed:

• The foreign national may face the risk of deportation in Turkey.
• The person may be banned from re-entering Turkey.
• If visa or residence permits have been requested, the application may be rejected or an existing permit may be cancelled.
• The code is recorded in the person’s passport record and is followed systemically.

Important Note: The existence of the code does not always mean that the person is definitively “guilty.” The code is often based on suspicion, administrative decision-making, or intelligence information. However, removal of the code is only possible through litigation.

3. Legal Basis of the G-42 Code

The term “restriction code” is not directly used in Turkish legislation. These code practices are largely based on the discretionary power of the administration, migration regulations, and the assessments of law enforcement/security units.

Imposition of the code concerns areas within the sovereign domain such as public order, public security, and the entry regime of foreigners into the country, in which the state has broad authority to regulate and implement.

However, since the removal or annulment of the code is in the nature of an administrative act/decision, it is subject to judicial review by the court.

4. Effects / Legal Consequences of the G-42 Code

A foreigner who has been assigned the G-42 code may face the following legal consequences:

1. Deportation: The code may facilitate the issuance of a deportation decision against the foreign national.
2. Entry Ban: It is possible to impose an entry ban to Turkey for certain periods or indefinitely.
3. Rejection/Annulment of Residence/Visa Procedures: If the person applies for a new visa or residence permit, the application will be rejected; if there is an existing permit, there is a risk of cancellation.
4. Notation in Passport/Records: The code becomes visible in the person’s passport records.
5. Exception via Annotated Visa: In some cases, despite the presence of the code, the person may enter Turkey by means of an annotated visa. However, in practice, visa applications are often rejected.

These effects may vary depending on the individual, case details, and judicial/administrative evidence.

5. G-42 Removal / Annulment Methods

It may be possible to remove or annul restriction codes; however, the process must be managed carefully. The process is explained step by step below.

5.1 Administrative Application (Request)

An application may be submitted to the administrative authority that imposed the code to request removal. In this application:

• The grounds and legal basis of the code should be requested,
• Evidence in favor of the person (e.g., clean criminal record, rehabilitation status, documents showing that it is ineffective/based on incorrect information) should be submitted,
• The request should be substantiated with legal arguments.

However, the chance of success of the administrative application may be low and a rejection may be issued. In that case, the next step is judicial application.

5.2 Annulment Lawsuit / Application to Court

The commonly followed method for annulment of the code is to file an annulment lawsuit. In this process:

• A case is filed before the relevant court,
• The statement of claim presents objections such as the unlawfulness of the code, lack of concrete evidence, and abuse of discretionary power by the administration,
• During the proceedings, “stay of execution” may be requested; if granted by the court, the effect of the code may be temporarily suspended before the case is concluded,
• If the court’s decision is favorable, the code is annulled and the person regains the right to enter Turkey.

5.3 Annotated Visa Route

In some cases, despite the presence of the code, an annotated visa may be issued to allow the person to enter Turkey. In this case, the person may apply for an annotated visa by following the official visa/permit procedures (e.g., family reunification, work, education visa, etc.). However, in practice, visas are generally not granted to holders of the G-42 restriction code.

An annotated visa does not mean that the code is completely removed; if a visa is issued, the code may still remain on the passport, but the entry ban effect is partially waived.

6. Practical Points to Consider

• Focus on Evidence: It is crucial to examine the evidence underlying the allegations that led to the code. Defenses can be made against incomplete, contradictory, or procedurally unlawful evidence.
• Timing Matters: Swift action should be taken from the moment the code is imposed; pay attention to statute of limitations for filing suit.
• Stay of Execution Request: As long as the effect of the code continues, the person cannot enter Turkey; therefore, a stay of execution request should certainly be considered.
• Rehabilitation Status: If the incident is in the past, documents evidencing rehabilitation (clean criminal record, addiction treatment, indicators of social integration, etc.) provide strong arguments.
• Expert Lawyer / Legal Support: Seeking support from a lawyer specialized in foreigners/administrative law increases the chance of success.
• Removal Does Not Automatically Guarantee Entry: Even if the code is annulled, there may be different assessments at passport control and border gates; it is important to notify and follow up with the court decision.

Comprehensive Q&A (FAQ) About the G-42 Restriction Code

1 – What is the G-42 Restriction Code?
Answer:
The G-42 restriction code is an administrative restriction code applied in the Republic of Turkey to foreign nationals due to offenses related to narcotics (drugs).
This code may ban the foreigner’s entry into Turkey and may lead to cancellation of the residence permit or deportation.
In short: The G-42 code is an administrative restriction code imposed on the assumption that the foreigner poses a public security risk due to a drug offense.

2 – In Which Situations Is the G-42 Restriction Code Imposed?
Answer:
The G-42 code may be imposed by the Presidency of Migration Management or law enforcement units in the following cases:

• Judicial action for selling, transporting, possessing, or manufacturing narcotics,
• Existence of an ongoing investigation or prosecution,
• Conviction by court decision,
• Presence of intelligence indicating that the person poses a threat to public security.
  Note: The existence of the G-42 code does not mean the person is definitively guilty. In some cases, it may be imposed administratively based solely on suspicion.

3 – What Is the Legal Basis of the G-42 Code?
Answer:
The G-42 restriction code does not directly rely on a specific statutory article; it relies on the provisions of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) Arts. 9, 54, and 57.
According to these articles, an entry ban to Turkey or a deportation decision may be issued on the grounds of public order, public security, or public health.
Therefore, G-42 is a “restriction code” used by the administration for security reasons and is subject to judicial review.

4 – What Are the Effects of the G-42 Code on the Individual?
Answer:
The consequences for a foreigner who has been assigned the G-42 code can be quite severe:

1. An entry ban to Turkey may be imposed.
2. The existing residence permit or visa may be cancelled.
3. New residence or visa applications may be rejected.
4. A deportation decision may be issued.
5. The code becomes visible in the person’s passport records.
6. The code may be reported to Interpol or international information-sharing systems.

5 – How Long Is the G-42 Code Valid?
Answer:
Generally, the G-42 code is not limited to a specific period.
Unless removed by the administrative authorities or annulled by a court, it may remain in the system indefinitely.
Therefore, a legal process must be initiated to remove the code; it will not be deleted on its own.

6 – How Is the G-42 Restriction Code Removed?
Answer:
There are three ways to remove the G-42 code:

1. Administrative Application:
   • Submit a petition to the relevant authority to ask for the grounds of the code and request its removal.
   • Provide evidence, criminal record documents, and other supporting papers.
2. Annulment Lawsuit (Administrative Court):
   • File an annulment case in court on the grounds that the code is unlawful.
   • A stay of execution may be requested during the proceedings.
3. Annotated Visa Route:
   • An annotated visa may be obtained for specific reasons (family reunification, education, health, work, etc.) without completely removing the code.

The most effective and permanent method is to obtain an annulment decision through judicial proceedings.

7 – How to Object to the G-42 Code?
Answer:

• First, prepare an administrative application petition.
• Prove with documents that the code was imposed without grounds or erroneously.
• If rejected, a case may be filed in court within 60 days.
  The petition and litigation process should be conducted through a lawyer specialized in foreigners law.

8 – How Long Does It Take to Remove the G-42 Code?
Answer:
The duration varies depending on the workload of the administration, court congestion, and the state of the evidence:

• Administrative application process: 30–60 days,
• Litigation process: 4–12 months,
• If a stay of execution is granted: temporary suspension within 1–3 months.
  On average, a final result can be obtained in 6 months – 1 year. However, this may vary depending on the court’s workload.

9 – What Happens After the G-42 Code Is Removed?
Answer:

• The code is deleted from the system and the person can enter Turkey without an entry ban.
• The court decision removing the code is notified to the Presidency of Migration Management.
• This decision is submitted as an official document in the person’s residence or visa applications.
• After the code is annulled, a new offense or risk is required to impose it again.

10 – Can a Person Deported Due to the G-42 Code Re-enter Turkey?
Answer:
Entry is not possible without removal of the G-42 code.
However, there are exceptions:

1. If the court grants a stay of execution,
2. If an annotated visa is issued to the person,
3. If there is a special situation in Turkey’s interest (e.g., medical treatment or a diplomatic reason).
   These exceptions are temporary. The permanent solution is the complete annulment of the code.

11 – Does the G-42 Code Affect Family Members?
Answer:
The code is applied only to the person concerned.
However, if the person intends to apply for family reunification through a spouse, child, or parent, the existence of the code may cause the application to be rejected.
Therefore, without removing the code, family reunification or residence permit procedures generally remain inconclusive.

12 – Can a Person with the G-42 Code Apply for Turkish Citizenship?
Answer:
No. While the G-42 code is active, the person cannot apply for Turkish citizenship.
First, the code must be removed through administrative or judicial means.
During the citizenship application, a clean criminal record and compliance with public order are required.

13 – How Does the G-42 Code Differ from Other Codes (G-87, G-82, G-34, etc.)?
Answer:

Code	Scope	Reason for Application
G-42	Narcotics (drug) offenses	Public security risk
G-82	Activities against national security	State security risk
G-87	Dangerous in terms of general security	Intelligence-based assessment
G-34	Forgery / document falsification	Criminal offense

G-42 is directly linked to narcotics; other codes cover different offense and risk areas.

14 – Is It Mandatory to Hire a Lawyer to Remove the G-42 Code?
Answer:
It is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
The process consists of both administrative and judicial stages.
A lawyer collects the right evidence, prepares legally compliant petitions, and effectively presents the stay-of-execution request. If the case is not pursued, it may be dismissed. The person may lose the right to bring another action regarding their application.

15 – What Are the Consequences of the G-42 Code Outside Turkey?
Answer:

• The code may appear in the security systems of some countries with which Turkey shares information (e.g., the Schengen area, the USA, Canada).
• This may lead to visa refusals in other countries or detailed questioning at the border.
  Therefore, the code has an impact not only in Turkey but also on international mobility.

16 – What Is the Most Effective Method to Remove the G-42 Code?
Answer:
The most effective and permanent method is:
Filing an annulment lawsuit in court + requesting a stay of execution.
With this route:

• The unlawfulness of the code is reviewed,
• The entry ban may be temporarily suspended during the case,
• If the decision is favorable, the code is permanently deleted.

17 – What Should Be Done After the G-42 Code Is Removed?
Answer:

1. The court decision or administrative letter should be submitted to the Presidency of Migration Management.
2. It should be verified that the code has been deleted from the system.
3. A copy of the decision should be attached to new residence applications.
4. After removal, care must be taken to prevent re-imposition (not committing new offenses, not violating public order, etc.).

18 – Can a Residence Permit Be Obtained in Turkey After the G-42 Restriction Code Is Removed?
Answer:
Yes. After the code is completely removed, the person can apply again for a residence permit.
However, during the application:

• The court decision or administrative removal document,
• A clean criminal record,
• Valid passport and address documents must be submitted.

19 – Can a Foreign National with the G-42 Restriction Code Be Granted an Annotated Visa?
Answer:
Yes, it can be granted in some cases.
For example:

• Family reunification,
• Education,
• Medical treatment,
• Employment/Business ties in Turkey.
  An annotated visa is a temporary solution; it does not remove the code from the system. In practice, visa requests are generally rejected.

Conclusion

The G-42 restriction code is one of the most serious administrative restrictions for foreigners.
Its removal is possible; however, it requires a careful process in terms of legal knowledge, documentation, and time management.
Obtaining professional support from a lawyer specialized in administrative and foreigners law significantly increases both the speed of the process and the likelihood of success.