Selimpaşa (Silivri) Removal Center: Process, Rights, Appeals, and Legal Assistance

Selimpaşa is one of the removal centers (Geri Gönderme Merkezleri – GGM) located in Istanbul.
In addition to Selimpaşa (Silivri), there are also other removal centers in Istanbul: Tuzla, Arnavutköy (permanent and temporary), Çatalca/İnceğiz, and Binkılıç.

1) Who Is Referred to the Selimpaşa Removal Center? From Which Police Stations?

In practice, foreigners apprehended by law enforcement units (police, gendarmerie, or coast guard) in Istanbul are transferred to an appropriate removal center within 48 hours, in accordance with the instructions of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
One of these centers is the Selimpaşa Removal Center.

Legal Basis:
Article 57 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) — “A foreigner under an administrative detention order shall be taken to a removal center by the law enforcement unit within 48 hours.”
(Which district or police station refers to which center is determined by the Provincial Directorate of Migration; no official “station–center” list is publicly available.)

Note:
In practice, those apprehended on the European side of Istanbul are usually sent to Selimpaşa, Çatalca, or Binkılıç, while those on the Asian side are most often referred to Tuzla Removal Center.
This is not an official rule but rather depends on logistics and capacity planning.
The locations of Istanbul’s removal centers are listed on the official website of the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) under the “Contact Information” section.

2) Why Are Foreign Nationals Held in Removal Centers?

If a foreigner is subject to a deportation order or cannot benefit from a voluntary departure period, they may be held under administrative detention in a removal center (e.g. risk of absconding, forged documents, or threats to public order and security).

Grounds for Deportation (Removal) – According to LFIP Article 54

Under Article 54 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP), the following foreigners may be deported:

1. Those who are leaders, members, or supporters of a terrorist organization or profit-oriented criminal group,
2. Those who pose a threat to public order, public security, or public health,
3. Those who abuse their visa or visa exemption,
4. Those who enter or leave Turkey in violation of legal entry/exit rules,
5. Those who overstay their visa or residence permit,
6. Those who lack financial means or cannot prove legal sources of income,
7. Those who are found to be working illegally,
8. Those who assist or engage in human smuggling or trafficking,
9. Those who enter Turkey despite an existing entry ban,
10. Those who use forged or falsified documents or make false statements,
11. Those whose residence permits have been cancelled,
12. Those whose international protection applications have been rejected, withdrawn, or finalized negatively,
13. Those whose applications are rejected due to public order or security concerns,
14. Those who commit criminal offenses under Turkish law and are not required to remain in Turkey after serving their sentence,
15. Those whose international protection applications were rejected but who can safely return to their home countries,
16. Those who use fake documents when entering, staying in, or exiting Turkey,
17. Those who make false declarations under another identity,
18. Those who fail to leave Turkey despite a voluntary departure or administrative detention order.

Detention Periods:
The administrative detention period is six months, and in some cases, may be extended for an additional six months, not exceeding twelve months in total.

3) Services Provided at the Selimpaşa Removal Center (Accommodation, Clothing, Health, and Meetings)

• Accommodation/Food/Health:
  Removal centers provide housing, food, and both basic and emergency healthcare services.
• Meetings with Lawyers and Relatives:
  Detainees have the right to contact and meet their lawyers, legal representatives, and family members; phone access and meetings with consular representatives and UNHCR officers are allowed.
• Clothing and Personal Needs:
  Basic needs are met by the center; additionally, families may deliver clean clothes and personal items in accordance with internal procedures.

4) How Does the Process Work?

1. Apprehension/Detection:
   Law enforcement identifies the foreigner and coordinates with the Provincial Directorate of Migration (within 48 hours).
2. Administrative Detention and Admission:
   The foreigner is transferred to the designated removal center; identification and medical checks are conducted.
3. Assessment:
   Reasons for deportation, the possibility of return, and availability of travel documents are evaluated.
4. Voluntary Departure or Continued Detention:
   Depending on circumstances, the foreigner may be allowed to depart voluntarily, or administrative detention continues.
5. Legal Process – Right to File a Lawsuit:
   If the foreigner has valid reasons preventing deportation, they are granted 7 days from admission to file a lawsuit.
   If a lawsuit is filed within this 7-day period, the person cannot be deported while the case is pending.
6. Deportation Procedures:
   Flight arrangements, escorting procedures, and consular coordination are carried out by the Directorate.
7. Alternative Measures (Article 57/A):
   In some cases, after filing a lawsuit, the court may approve alternative measures such as signature obligations or address reporting instead of continued detention.
   The person may be released under these administrative conditions.

5) What Should Families Do If Their Relative Is Detained at Selimpaşa Removal Center?

• Quick Communication:
  Immediate contact with the detained person is crucial since the right to file a lawsuit lasts only 7 days. Otherwise, once travel authorization arrives, deportation may be executed without delay.
• Legal Representation:
  Contact a qualified lawyer and start the representation process without delay.
  The appeal against administrative detention and the deportation order must be filed within the legal deadlines. Missing the 7-day period significantly reduces the chance of success.
• Documents:
  Prepare and submit relevant documents such as passport, ID, residence proof, evidence of family ties, and proof of financial means.
• Deliveries/Meetings:
  Ensure that clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials are delivered according to the center’s internal regulations.

6) Legal Remedies (Appeals and Lawsuit Timeline)

• Appeal Against Administrative Detention:
  The foreigner, through their lawyer, may apply to the competent Court of Peace (Sulh Ceza Hakimliği).
  The application does not suspend detention automatically; the judge renders a final decision within 5 days.
• Appeal Against Deportation Order:
  Deportation decisions can be challenged in administrative courts through an annulment lawsuit, depending on the case.
• Duration and Alternatives:
  Administrative detention can last up to 6 + 6 months; alternative measures (signature, residence requirement, or financial bond) may be requested depending on individual circumstances.

7) Notes and History of Selimpaşa (Silivri) Removal Center

• Establishment and Transfers:
  The Ministry of Interior announced in 2016 that women and children previously held in the Kumkapı Removal Center were transferred to Selimpaşa, which now serves as one of Istanbul’s main facilities.

8) Quick Contact Guide (Selimpaşa & Istanbul)

• Address: Selimpaşa Mahallesi, 2124. Sokak No:10, Silivri / Istanbul
• Other Removal Centers in Istanbul: Tuzla, Arnavutköy (permanent & temporary), Çatalca/İnceğiz, and Binkılıç.

9) Conclusion and Recommendations

The process at the Selimpaşa Removal Center operates under the framework of administrative detention and deportation law.
For families of detained foreigners, quick legal intervention, document preparation, and timely appeal filing are critical.
Failure to act within the 7-day period may result in irreversible deportation before the court process concludes.

10) Legal Assistance Regarding Selimpaşa (Silivri) Removal Center

For foreigners detained in the Selimpaşa Removal Center — or their families — the process is not merely administrative but requires comprehensive legal representation.
Administrative detention, deportation orders, or entry bans can be suspended or annulled if challenged properly and within legal time limits.

Therefore, if your relative is being held in a removal center or if you are facing deportation proceedings, it is vital to seek legal support from an expert immigration lawyer.

Our experienced legal team, specialized in Foreigners Law, Immigration Law, and Administrative Litigation, provides professional assistance in:

• Obtaining information about your relative’s situation in the removal center,
• Appealing administrative detention orders,
• Filing annulment lawsuits against deportation decisions,
• Handling voluntary departure and residence permit-related issues.

 Contact Now:
If your relative is in the Selimpaşa Removal Center or if you require urgent legal support regarding deportation proceedings, contact us immediately to ensure your rights are protected.

As a lawyer specialized in immigration and foreigners law, we are here to guide you through your rights, deadlines, and appeal procedures.

Contact Information

Keleş Law & Consultancy Office
 Phone: +90 551 939 66 88
 E-mail: [email protected] | [email protected]

Selimpaşa (Silivri) Removal Center – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Selimpaşa Removal Center located?
   It is in Silivri district, Istanbul – Selimpaşa Mahallesi, 2124. Sokak No:10 – under the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

2. From which police stations are foreigners sent to Selimpaşa?
   The center generally receives foreigners apprehended on Istanbul’s European side, such as Arnavutköy, Küçükçekmece, Esenyurt, Avcılar, Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü, Silivri, and Büyükçekmece.
   However, there is no fixed “station–center” correspondence; the Directorate determines transfers based on capacity, nationality, and security status.

3. Why are foreigners detained in removal centers?
   Because they are subject to a deportation order under LFIP Article 57 — for reasons such as:
   • Threats to public order or security,
   • Use of forged documents,
   • Violation of visa or residence rules,
   • Risk of absconding or disappearance.

4. How long can a person be held at Selimpaşa?
   The general detention period is 6 months, extendable to 12 months.
   However, if the foreigner fails to file a lawsuit within 7 days of admission, deportation can be carried out even before the 6-month period ends.

5. What are the living conditions like?
   Basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare are provided free of charge.
   Clothing and hygiene products are supplied by the center or through family support.
   Common areas are available for daily needs.

6. Do detainees have the right to meet their lawyers?
   Yes.
   Detainees can meet their own lawyers in private rooms, under confidentiality.

7. What should relatives do if someone they know is in Selimpaşa?
   • Contact the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management or the center directly.
   • Hire a lawyer to obtain information and initiate the legal process.
   • Gather essential documents (passport, residence proof, family documents).
   • File legal appeals if necessary.

8. Is medical care available at the center?
   Yes.
   Each removal center has medical units, and detainees can be transferred to state hospitals for emergencies.
   Women, children, and persons with disabilities are given special consideration.

9. Can families provide clothes or food?
   Yes, but under strict rules.
   Deliveries from families or NGOs must comply with center regulations and are subject to security checks.

10. Are children also held in the center?
    Yes, but in separate sections.
    Families are kept together as much as possible. Unaccompanied minors are placed under the Ministry of Family and Social Services.

11. How to appeal a deportation order?
    The lawyer files an appeal with the Administrative Court within 7 days of notification.
    Once filed, deportation is suspended until the case is concluded.

12. How to appeal an administrative detention order?
    The lawyer applies to the Court of Peace (Sulh Ceza Hakimliği) through the center.
    The judge decides within 5 days, and the decision is final.

13. Can detainees contact their families?
    Yes.
    They can use the center’s telephones to contact family, lawyers, or consulates.
    There are also specific visiting days.

14. Can consulates or international organizations visit?
    Yes.
    UNHCR and relevant consulates are allowed to visit detainees to ensure protection and safe return.

15. How does release or deportation take place?
    The Directorate evaluates country acceptance, document completion, and court decisions before finalizing release or deportation.

16. What is the capacity and structure of the Selimpaşa Center?
    It is one of Istanbul’s largest removal centers, with separate sections for men, women, and children.
    Security and health checks are conducted upon entry, and all data is recorded in the GöçNet system.

17. What are the visiting hours?
    Visiting days and hours may vary periodically.
    Families should contact the center directly to confirm current schedules.

18. Are religious needs respected?
    Yes.
    There are designated prayer areas, and detainees can freely practice their religion.

19. Can foreign family members visit?
    Yes, but visitors must hold valid visas or residence permits.
    Prior coordination with the center is required.