What is the Temporary Protection Identification Document (TPID) for Syrians under temporary protection status in Turkey, how is it obtained, and what rights does it provide? Application process, renewal, cancellation, and frequently asked questions.
Following the civil war that began in Syria in 2011, millions of Syrians were forced to seek refuge in safe regions. Due to its geographical position and humanitarian approach, Turkey implemented the “temporary protection” mechanism in response to this mass migration movement.
Temporary Protection Status is regulated under the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458 and the Temporary Protection Regulation dated 22.10.2014. This status is granted to foreigners who cannot return to their country, have collectively arrived in Turkey, and are in urgent need of protection.
After the identification and registration of those placed under temporary protection are completed, a “Temporary Protection Identification Document” (TPID) is issued. This document is the primary identity document proving their legal presence in Turkey.
The Temporary Protection Identification Document is an official identity document issued by the Republic of Turkey to individuals granted temporary protection status.
This document:
The following groups may fall under temporary protection and be issued an identification document:
The application is made in person to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM) of the province where the person is located.
When registration is completed, the system automatically generates a foreigner identification number starting with 99. This number is used in all procedures such as health, education, social assistance, and work permits.
At the end of the registration process, a Temporary Protection Identification Document is issued and the person is placed under temporary protection.
Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey can benefit from certain fundamental rights according to Turkish legislation:
TPID holders can benefit from free health services at public hospitals in their registered province.
Children under temporary protection can receive education in schools recognized by the Ministry of National Education.
Holders of a temporary protection identification document can apply for a work permit after residing in Turkey for 6 months.
The application is made by the employer through the Ministry of Labor and Social Security system.
Basis: Regulation No. 2016/8375 on Work Permits for Foreigners Under Temporary Protection.
When there are changes in the information on the document (for example, marriage, birth of a child, address change), the person must notify the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management within 15 days.
A new document is issued free of charge with updated information.
If the document is lost or damaged:
The temporary protection identification document (TPID) is the certified form of this status and ensures the person’s legal stay in Turkey. However, in some cases, this document and status may be canceled. Since cancellation directly eliminates the person’s legal status in Turkey, it is of vital importance.
The document loses its validity in the following cases:
Pursuant to Articles 11, 12, 13, and 17 of the Temporary Protection Regulation, the Directorate of Migration Management cancels temporary protection status in the following cases:
The Directorate of Migration Management performs a risk status determination based on the person’s statements, the address registration system, and information from law enforcement and intelligence units.
Before cancellation, the relevant person is generally notified in writing.
Granting the person the “right to make a statement or defense” is required by administrative law.
However, in some urgent cases (for example, a threat to public security), the administration may directly make a cancellation decision.
The cancellation decision is served at the person’s registered address or at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
From the date of service:
Since the cancellation decision is an administrative act, an action for annulment can be filed against this decision before the relevant court.
Time Limit for Filing a Case
Type of Case
The type of case is an action for annulment.
The aim of the lawsuit is to have the administrative cancellation decision determined to be unlawful and to have its execution stayed and reversed.
Since the cancellation of temporary protection directly affects the person’s right to remain in the country, courts often grant a stay of execution decision.
In a request for stay of execution:
When evaluating the cancellation act, the court looks at the following criteria:
|
Evaluation Criterion |
Explanation |
|
Legal Basis |
Is the decision in accordance with the provisions of the LFIP or the Regulation? |
|
Evidence Status |
Are the allegations of forgery or threats to public security proven? |
|
Right to Defense |
Did the administration grant the person the right to defense? |
|
Principle of Proportionality |
Is the cancellation act proportional to the incident? (e.g., simple address violation ≠ cancellation) |
|
Human Rights Dimension |
Does the cancellation decision threaten the person’s right to life or family unity? |
|
Reason for Cancellation |
Practical Issue |
Legal Solution |
|
Staying outside the registered province for a long time |
The system automatically sets status to “passive” |
A petition with excuse to the Provincial Directorate + submission of proof of residence |
|
Incorrect completion of the voluntary return form |
The person signs without knowing the meaning of the form |
It can be declared by petition that the cancellation was made due to an error |
|
Public order justification |
Cancellation is made without clear evidence |
An action for annulment should be filed due to violation of the right to defense |
|
Allegation of false identity |
Similar names may be confused |
A biometric registration report should be requested |
|
Unauthorized exit abroad |
The person made a short exit |
The actual situation should be explained with entry-exit records |
The cancellation of the temporary protection document is not only an administrative act but also one that affects the person’s right to life.
Therefore, the litigation process should be conducted with professional legal support.
A lawsuit petition prepared by a lawyer:
The cancellation of the Temporary Protection Identification Document means the loss of all rights in Turkey for Syrians. Therefore, cancellation decisions should be based not on the administration’s arbitrary interpretation, but on legislation, evidence, and the principle of proportionality.
When a person faces an unjust cancellation decision:
1. In what situations is the Temporary Protection Identification Document (TPID) canceled?
The TPID is canceled in cases such as:
2. To whom is the cancellation decision notified?
The cancellation decision is notified in writing by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
If there is no address registration, the notification is deemed to have been made at the administration.
3. Is the person deported immediately after the document is canceled?
No.
The cancellation does not automatically result in deportation.
However, the Directorate of Migration Management may also make a “deportation assessment” at the same time.
In this case, a deportation decision is issued separately under LFIP Article 54.
4. Can a person whose temporary protection status has been canceled remain in Turkey?
After the cancellation decision, the person loses the “legal right to stay.”
However, if a lawsuit has been filed and a stay of execution decision has been granted, the person may legally remain in Turkey during the proceedings.
5. Which rights are lost if the Temporary Protection Identification Document is canceled?
6. What is the time limit for filing a lawsuit against the cancellation decision?
It is 60 days from the date of service.
This period is of a peremptory nature. If the case is not filed within the period, it is possible for the court to make a negative assessment on the grounds of time.
7. Should a stay of execution be requested when filing a lawsuit?
Absolutely yes.
Because the person may be taken to a removal center if the cancellation decision is implemented.
A stay of execution decision ensures that this action is temporarily halted.
8. How is a stay of execution decided?
The court seeks two conditions together:
9. Does filing a lawsuit against the cancellation of the Temporary Protection Identification Document suspend deportation?
Yes, generally, deportation proceedings are postponed together with the lawsuit petition and the request for a stay of execution.
However, this is not automatic; a court decision is required.
10. Can I re-register if the Temporary Protection Identification Document is canceled?
No.
A person whose TPID is canceled cannot re-register with the same identity.
However, if the cancellation decision is lifted as a result of the lawsuit, the registration becomes active again.
11. I signed a voluntary return form, but I do not want to return. What can I do?
If the form was signed under pressure or without understanding, an action for annulment may be filed against the cancellation act.
In this case, the petition should state “defective consent” and “manifestly erroneous act” as grounds.
12. What should be included in a petition regarding the cancellation of temporary protection?
13. Can I benefit from health services until the case is concluded?
Yes, if the court has granted a stay of execution, health services are reactivated.
If no decision has been made, the rights are temporarily suspended.
14. If the Temporary Protection Identification Document is canceled, is my work permit also canceled?
Yes.
The work permit is directly dependent on the temporary protection status.
If it is canceled, the work permit automatically becomes invalid.
15. Does the cancellation decision affect family members?
Generally no.
The cancellation decision is individual.
However, if the reason concerns forgery or security and affects family unity, spouses and children may also be affected.
16. My status was canceled because I stayed outside my registered province for a long time. What can I do?
If there is a valid excuse (for example, illness, close relative visit, education, work), a petition can be submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
If the excuse is not accepted, an action for annulment may be filed.
17. Should I have been granted the right to defense before the cancellation decision was made?
Yes.
In administrative acts, the “right to defense” is mandatory pursuant to Article 36 of the Constitution.
18. Can a case against cancellation of the Temporary Protection Identification Document on the grounds of public security be won?
Yes, if there is no concrete evidence, there is a possibility of success.
19. If the case is dismissed, can I reapply?
If the case is finalized, a new application on the same subject cannot be made.
However, if there is new evidence or a new situation (for example, family reunification, health status), a new application can be made. A detailed evaluation is required.
20. Is it mandatory to hire a lawyer after the cancellation of the Temporary Protection Identification Document?
No, it is not mandatory.
However, cancellation cases require technical knowledge of both administrative and foreigners’ law.
Being followed by a migration law lawyer increases the chance of success.
21. How long does it take for the case to be concluded?
Depending on the court’s workload, it is concluded in an average of 4 to 12 months.
Requests for a stay of execution are generally evaluated within 2–4 weeks.
22. If the case is dismissed, can I apply to the Constitutional Court?
Yes.
When the court decision becomes final, an individual application can be made to the Constitutional Court on the grounds of a violation of rights (right to life, family unity, right to a fair trial).
The time limit is 30 days.
23. What should be done if the deportation decision is served simultaneously with the cancellation of the Temporary Protection Identification Document?
Separate lawsuits must be filed against both decisions.
24. Is it lawful to be taken to a Removal Center during the cancellation of the Temporary Protection Identification Document?
Yes, but there are legal limits.
If the person is kept in the center while the judicial process is ongoing, a release request or an individual application to the Constitutional Court may be filed.
