G-87 Restriction Code

A restriction code is one of the administrative limitations applied to foreigners entering Türkiye. These codes may constitute a “entry ban” that prevents the person from entering the country, or indicate a record in the system that marks the person’s status as a “warning” or “risky.”

The G-87 code is defined by the phrase “persons who pose a danger in terms of general security.” In other words, this code is imposed in cases where the foreigner is assessed as a risk to Türkiye’s general security.

This code may result in an indefinite ban on the foreigner’s entry into Türkiye or lead to deportation.

Legal Basis and Procedure for the G-87 Code

Legal Basis

The Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458 regulates entry bans to Türkiye and deportation procedures. The definition and implementation of the entry ban are addressed under Article 9 of the Law.
In imposing the code, criteria such as public order and public security are taken into account. In these assessments, data from institutions such as the Police, intelligence units, and the Presidency of Migration Management are used together.
The administration is obliged to make an assessment based on concrete evidence when imposing the code. Decisions made on the basis of mere suspicion or general statements may be grounds for annulment by the administrative judiciary.

Who May Be Subject to the G-87 Code?

The G-87 code may particularly arise in the following types of situations:

Suspicion of links with terrorist organizations, radical views, or suspicious communications
Involvement in serious crimes, criminal record
Assessments by police or intelligence units
Activities that may cause social unrest in Türkiye
Risk factors related to international security

In practice, there are criticisms that sometimes codes are imposed based on mere suspicion without a concrete basis. However, if a code has been imposed on the basis of suspicion, a lawsuit should be filed for annulment of the restriction code, and the person’s situation should be set out in detail before the court.

Procedure for Imposing the Code

The decision is generally an administrative act; therefore, the competent authorities are the Presidency of Migration Management, Provincial Directorates of Migration Management, and governorships.
The passport police officer on duty at the border gate may enforce this decision at the time of entry.
The code must be entered into the person’s system record and officially registered.

Consequences of the G-87 Code – Rights, Obligations, and Restrictions

Below is a summary of the possible effects of the G-87 code on the individual:

Area of Impact	Description
Entry Ban	The person cannot enter Türkiye; they are turned back at border gates.
Deportation	If the foreigner is currently in Türkiye when the code is imposed, deportation procedures may be applied.
Residence and Visa Procedures	A person with the code is automatically rejected in residence permit or visa applications.
Possibility of an Annotated Visa	For certain humanitarian or special reasons, an “annotated visa” may be granted without lifting the code; however, this is extremely limited and in practice almost nonexistent.
Legal Rights	If the code is unlawful, there is a right to apply to the administrative court and to lodge an objection.

In summary, for a foreigner to whom the G-87 code is applied, the country is effectively closed to entry, resulting in many losses of rights.

Lifting the G-87 Code: Objection and Litigation Process

Lifting the G-87 code is basically possible in two ways: administrative objection and annulment action.

1. Administrative Objection

There is a right of objection within 60 days from the date the code is learned or notified.
The objection is made by a written petition to the Presidency of Migration Management or to the authority that imposed the code.
In this petition, the reasons why the code is unjust, evidence, witness statements, and uncertainties in intelligence data, etc., are submitted.

Disadvantage: If the objection is rejected, there is a risk of missing the litigation deadline. Moreover, an administrative objection generally does not completely eliminate the code.

2. Annulment Action (Administrative Court)

If the objection result is negative, or even without initiating the objection route, a direct lawsuit may be preferred.
The period for filing a lawsuit is 60 days from the notification of the code.
In the lawsuit, defenses are made such as the code being unlawful, lacking a concrete basis, uncertainties in the evidence, or the unreliability of intelligence reports. However, all defenses must be stated in detail and clearly. Regular follow-up of the case file is important.
In addition, a request for a stay of execution may be made; this decision can temporarily suspend the effect of the code before the case is concluded.
If the case is successful, the court annuls the administrative act, and the restriction code is deleted from the system.

Timeframes and Challenges

The litigation process may take between several months and one year. Factors such as heavy court workload, evidence collection, and expert examination may prolong the process.
Even if the lifting of the code is decided in the lawsuit, this does not mean that the foreigner can enter Türkiye immediately; either a stay of execution decision or the finalization of the judgment is awaited.
Attorney fees and litigation costs should be taken into account; professional support is critical, especially in complex cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the G-87 Restriction Code

1. What is the G-87 Restriction Code?

Answer:
The G-87 restriction code is an entry ban code imposed on “persons who pose a danger in terms of general security.”
This code is an administrative measure that prevents the foreigner’s entry into Türkiye on grounds of public security.
It is applied pursuant to Articles 9 and 54 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458.

2. To Whom Is the G-87 Restriction Code Imposed?

Answer:
This code is generally imposed on those who are assessed as posing a risk to national security, public order, or social peace.
Concrete examples include:

Being associated with terrorist or extremist organization activities,
Engaging in acts that would disrupt public order,
Being flagged as risky by intelligence units,
Being considered connected to unlawful groups,
Attempting to enter the country with false identity, documents, or statements.

3. What Happens When the G-87 Restriction Code Is Imposed?

Answer:

The person’s entry into Türkiye is prohibited.
The system issues an automatic alert at Türkiye’s border gates.
If the person is currently in Türkiye, deportation procedures are initiated.
The presence of the code may lead to the automatic rejection of visa, residence permit, or citizenship applications.
The code is visible in all airport and land border systems.

4. Is the G-87 Restriction Code Time-Limited?

Answer:
In most cases, it is applied indefinitely.
The administration does not limit this code to a specific time. However, if it is not lifted through objection or litigation, the code remains in force permanently.
In some special cases (for example, an entry ban of 1–5 years), it may also be imposed for a fixed term; this is explicitly stated in the decision. The specified durations may be extended by the relevant authority.

5. What Is the Legal Basis of the G-87 Code?

Answer:

LFIP Art. 9: Regulates the entry ban to Türkiye.
LFIP Art. 54/1-d: States that those who pose a threat to public order or public security may be deported.
LFIP Art. 53: Regulates objection and judicial remedies.

According to these provisions, an entry ban (restriction code) may be imposed on foreigners assessed as posing a risk to public security.

6. Who Decides on the G-87 Restriction Code?

Answer:
The decision is generally taken by the following authorities:

Presidency of Migration Management,
Provincial Directorates of Migration Management,
General Directorate of Security (Foreigners’ Branch).

7. What If the Basis for the G-87 Code Is Flawed?

Answer:
If the code is not based on concrete evidence or an official security risk, the person may have the code lifted through administrative objection or an annulment action.
Courts consider codes imposed solely on “suspicion” or “abstract assessments” to be unlawful.

8. How Can I Learn Whether I Have a G-87 Restriction Code?

Answer:
A foreigner may learn of the code’s existence through the following:

When the entry ban is notified at the border gate,
When a residence or visa application is rejected,
By submitting a petition to the Presidency of Migration Management via their attorney.

9. How Is Objection Made to the G-87 Code?

Answer:
An objection may be filed within 60 days from the notification or learning of the code.
The objection petition may be submitted to:

The Presidency of Migration Management,
The Provincial Directorate of Migration Management that imposed the code,
The Governor’s Office.

The petition should clearly explain why the code is unjust and include any evidence (clean criminal record, letters of good conduct, invitation letters, etc.).

10. What Can Be Done If the Objection Is Unsuccessful?

Answer:
If the objection is rejected, the person may file an annulment action before the administrative court. The period for filing the lawsuit is 60 days from the notification of the rejection.
The lawsuit petition may include a request for a stay of execution, allowing the court to temporarily suspend enforcement of the code before the case is concluded.

11. How Long Does It Take to Lift the G-87 Code?

Answer:

Administrative objection: May be concluded within 1–3 months.
Court proceedings: May take on average 6–12 months.
If a stay of execution is granted, the person may be relieved from the entry ban in a short time.

12. Is an Attorney Necessary to Lift the G-87 Code?

Answer:
Although not a legal obligation, since the justification for the code often relies on “confidential intelligence information,” it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional immigration law attorney. The attorney can access the administrative file, review the grounds, and prepare an appropriate defense.

13. Who Can Lift the G-87 Code?

Answer:

The administrative authority that imposed the code (e.g., the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management) may lift the code upon objection.
The Administrative Court may lift the decision as a result of an annulment action.
A stay of execution decision may temporarily suspend the effect of the code.

14. What Documents Are Required to Lift the G-87 Code?

Answer:
The following documents may be attached to the objection or lawsuit petition:

Copies of passport and identity documents,
Documents showing family or employment relations in Türkiye,
Criminal record (to show it is clean),
Evidence showing inaccuracies in intelligence or police records,
Invitation letters, work permit, lease agreement, etc.

15. Where Is the Lawsuit Filed Against the G-87 Code?

Answer:
The lawsuit is filed with the court in the place where the administrative authority that issued the act is located.

16. What Are the Costs of Filing a Lawsuit Against the G-87 Code?

Answer:
Costs vary depending on the case, attorney’s fee, and court fees. On average:

Court fee: Around TRY 5,000–10,000.
Attorney’s fee: Changes every year by the Ministry of Justice.

17. Does the Existence of the G-87 Code Affect Other Rights in Türkiye?

Answer:
Yes. The code prevents many processes such as residence, work permit, citizenship, and family reunification in Türkiye.
Moreover, transactions related to assets or investments in Türkiye may also be disrupted.

18. Can the G-87 Code Be Reimposed After It Has Been Lifted?

Answer:
Yes, but only if there is a new concrete justification.
Reimposing the code for the same reasons would amount to misuse of discretionary power by the administration and may be subject to litigation.

19. What Should Be Done If the G-87 Code Was Imposed by Mistake?

Answer:
Sometimes the code may be imposed due to a system error or confusion with a person of a similar name. In this case:

A written application should be made to the Presidency of Migration Management,
Identity, passport, and birth information should be submitted,
Correction of the erroneous record should be requested.

If the administration detects the error, it will make the correction promptly. In practice, encountering a mistakenly imposed restriction code is rare.

20. I Learned I Have a G-87 Code, But I Cannot Return to My Country. What Can I Do?

Answer:
If returning to the person’s own country would pose a life-threatening risk, an international protection (asylum) application may be made.
In this case, a deportation decision is not enforced, and the process moves to a different status.
Article 55 of Law No. 6458 regulates this protection.

21. How Long Do I Have to Wait to Lift the G-87 Code?

Answer:
There is no waiting period.
As soon as the code is notified or learned, an objection or lawsuit can be filed immediately.
Passing time generally results against, not in favor of, the person.

22. When Can I Enter Türkiye After the G-87 Code Is Lifted?

Answer:

If a stay of execution is obtained, entry may be possible while the case is ongoing.
If the code is annulled by court decision, entry becomes possible after the decision is finalized and the code is automatically removed from the system.
In some cases, entry may be possible by obtaining an annotated visa via the consulate.

23. What Is the Rate of Lifting the G-87 Code?

Answer:
Each case depends on its own circumstances; however, in practice, more than 60% of codes imposed based on lack of evidence or abstract grounds are annulled by the courts.
The likelihood of a decision in favor of persons without a concrete security threat is quite high.

24. Can a Foreigner with a G-87 Code Make a Transit Passage Through Türkiye?

Answer:
No. If the code is active, even transit passage through a Turkish airport is not possible.
Even if the person is going to another country, they are not accepted on the flight because they cannot enter Turkish territory.

25. Is the G-87 Code Visible to Other Countries?

Answer:
The G-87 code is visible only in the internal databases of the Republic of Türkiye (Migration Management, Police, Civil Registry).
However, in some cases, it may be shared with other national authorities within the scope of Interpol or joint security information sharing.

26. Can a Person with a G-87 Code Sell or Transfer Property in Türkiye?

Answer:
If the person is not currently in Türkiye, they can carry out a property sale or transfer through a broad power of attorney granted to an attorney.
However, entry into Türkiye is not possible due to the code; transactions must be carried out through a proxy.

27. What Kind of Evidence Does the Court Look For When Lifting the G-87 Code?

Answer:
The court examines the following:

Is there a report or intelligence information forming the basis of the code?
Is there a criminal or terrorism record regarding the person?
Has a concrete danger in terms of public security been proven?
Has the principle of proportionality been observed in the implementation of the code?

If these elements are absent, the court annuls the administrative act.

28. What Is the Most Effective Way to Lift the G-87 Code?

Answer:
In practice, the most effective method is to initiate both an administrative objection and an annulment action simultaneously.
When these two routes are pursued together, the likelihood of lifting the code increases.
Also, obtaining a stay of execution decision reduces the person’s grievance in a short time.

29. Does Lifting the G-87 Code Make It Easier for the Foreigner to Obtain a Visa?

Answer:
Yes. After the code is lifted, since there is no longer a “risky person” record in the system, the likelihood of the person’s visa application, residence permit, or investment process being concluded positively increases.

30. Can a Foreigner with a G-87 Code Reunite with Their Family in Türkiye?

Answer:
No. While the code is active, entry into Türkiye is not possible; therefore, the right to family reunification cannot be exercised.
However, after the code is lifted, an application for a family reunification visa may be made.