Tuzla Removal Center: Process, Rights, Appeal, and Legal Assistance

Tuzla is one of the removal centers (Geri Gönderme Merkezi, GGM) located in Istanbul. Across the city, there are also other centers such as Selimpaşa (Silivri), Arnavutköy (permanent and temporary), Çatalca/İnceğiz, and Binkılıç.

1) Who Is Referred to Tuzla Removal Center? “From Which Police Stations?”

Foreign nationals apprehended on the Asian side of Istanbul are generally referred to the Tuzla Removal Center.
Foreigners detained by law enforcement units (police, gendarmerie, coast guard) are transferred to the appropriate removal center within 48 hours, as determined by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

Legal Basis: Article 57 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP – YUKK):
“Foreigners subject to administrative detention shall be taken to removal centers within 48 hours by the law enforcement unit that apprehended them.”

In practice:

• Those apprehended on the Asian side are mostly sent to Tuzla GGM,
• Those on the European side are referred to Selimpaşa, Çatalca, or Binkılıç Removal Centers.
  This distribution is not an official rule; it varies according to capacity, security, and logistics determined by the Directorate of Migration Management.

2) Why Are Foreign Nationals Held in Removal Centers?

A foreign national is placed under administrative detention in a removal center if a deportation order has been issued or if the “voluntary departure” process cannot be applied.

Deportation Grounds (LFIP Article 54):

• Being a member or supporter of a terrorist or criminal organization,
• Posing a threat to public order, security, or health,
• Violating visa or residence conditions,
• Entering or leaving Turkey illegally,
• Using forged documents or making false declarations,
• Working illegally or assisting human smuggling,
• Having a rejected international protection (asylum) claim,
• Having committed crimes under Turkish law and completed the sentence,
• Having no means of livelihood or being considered a public threat.

Duration of detention: The administrative detention period is 6 months, extendable by another 6 months (maximum 12 months).

3) Services Provided at the Tuzla Removal Center

• Accommodation and healthcare: Basic shelter, meals, cleaning, and emergency health services are provided.
• Access to lawyers and relatives: Detainees can meet their lawyers confidentially and contact consular officials.
• Telephone use: Communication with family, lawyers, and consulates is permitted through center telephones.
• Clothing and personal items: Basic needs are met; families may deliver clothes or personal items according to the center’s rules.

4) How Does the Process Work in Tuzla GGM?

1. Apprehension: The foreign national is identified and reported to the Directorate of Migration Management.
2. Transfer: Within 48 hours, the person is taken to the appropriate center (e.g., Tuzla GGM).
3. Admission and evaluation: Identity, health, and document checks are conducted.
4. Administrative detention: The person’s legal situation is reviewed.
5. Voluntary departure / alternative measures: In eligible cases, alternatives such as signature obligations or residence notification may be applied.
6. Right to appeal: Upon entry to the center, a 7-day period begins for the detainee to file a lawsuit. If an appeal is filed, deportation is suspended during the trial.
7. Deportation procedures: If no appeal is filed or if the case is rejected, the person is deported.

5) What Should a Foreign National’s Family Do If Their Relative Is in Tuzla GGM?

• Act quickly: The 7-day appeal period is extremely critical.
• Hire a lawyer: Appeals must be filed against both the administrative detention and the deportation order.
• Prepare documents: Provide the lawyer with the passport, ID, residence permit, and family or marital documents.
• Coordinate deliveries: Check current rules regarding the delivery of clothing, hygiene items, or other materials to the center.

6) Legal Remedies and Deadlines

• Appeal against administrative detention: Filed with the Criminal Judgeship of Peace; the judge decides within 5 days, and the decision is final.
• Lawsuit against deportation order: Must be filed in the Administrative Court within 7 days.
• Alternative measures: Detention can be replaced with obligations such as signing, providing an address, or bail, upon court approval.

7) Notes About Tuzla GGM

• It is the only removal center on the Asian side of Istanbul.
• Separate sections exist for men, women, and children.
• Prayer rooms, shared areas, and health units are available.
• Visiting hours may vary; visitors should confirm with the center in advance.

8) Contact Information (Tuzla & Istanbul)

 Address:
Akfırat Mahallesi, Süleymaniye Bulvarı 140. Cadde No:65, Tuzla / Istanbul

 YİMER 157 (24/7 Multi-Language Helpline)
The Directorate of Migration Management’s 24-hour support line for foreigners.

9) Conclusion and Recommendations

The Tuzla Removal Center process involves complex administrative and legal procedures.
Key recommendations:

• Do not miss the 7-day appeal period,
• Obtain professional legal representation,
• Ensure complete and accurate documentation.

10) Legal Support During Tuzla GGM Procedures

If your relative is held at Tuzla GGM or deportation proceedings have begun, seek professional assistance from an immigration and foreigners law attorney.

Keleş Law & Consultancy Office provides legal services in:

• Monitoring the situation of your relative at Tuzla GGM,
• Appealing against administrative detention orders,
• Filing lawsuits against deportation decisions,
• Requesting voluntary departure or alternative measures.

 Phone: +90 551 939 66 88
 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tuzla Removal Center

1. Where is the Tuzla Removal Center located?
It is located at Akfırat Mah. Süleymaniye Bulvarı 140. Cadde No:65, Tuzla / Istanbul, under the authority of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.

2. From which police stations are foreigners sent to Tuzla?
Foreigners detained on the Asian side of Istanbul (Tuzla, Pendik, Kartal, Maltepe, Kadıköy, Ataşehir, Ümraniye, Sultanbeyli, Sancaktepe, etc.) are generally sent to Tuzla GGM. The exact allocation depends on capacity and logistics planning.

3. Why are foreigners detained in the removal center?
Foreigners subject to deportation orders or for whom voluntary departure is not applicable are detained under administrative detention. Grounds include threats to public order/security, false documents, overstaying, or risk of absconding.

4. How long can foreigners be held in Tuzla GGM?
Detention lasts up to 6 months, extendable to 12 months. Filing a lawsuit within 7 days suspends deportation.

5. What are the living conditions like?
Accommodation, food, and health services are provided free of charge. Clothing and hygiene supplies are available through the center or family support.

6. Do detainees have the right to meet with lawyers?
Yes. They may meet privately with their lawyers under confidentiality rules.

7. What should relatives do if their family member is held in Tuzla GGM?
Contact the Istanbul Directorate of Migration or Tuzla GGM, coordinate with a lawyer, collect all necessary documents, and ensure appeals are filed within the deadline.

8. Are medical services available in the removal center?
Yes. A medical unit operates within the center, and emergency cases are referred to hospitals. Special attention is given to women, children, and persons with disabilities.

9. Can families bring food or clothing?
Yes, but it is subject to security inspection and prior approval by the center administration.

10. Are children held in the center?
Yes, but families are kept together when possible; unaccompanied minors are referred to child protection centers.

11. How can deportation decisions be appealed?
Lawyers can file a cancellation lawsuit within 7 days of notification. The lawsuit suspends deportation.

12. How can administrative detention orders be appealed?
Lawyers may apply to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace. The judge rules within 5 days; the decision is final.

13. Can detainees communicate with their families?
Yes. They can make phone calls to family, lawyers, or consulates. Visitation is also allowed on specified days and times.

14. Can consulates or international organizations visit?
Yes. The UNHCR and relevant consular officials can make monitoring visits.

15. How are release or deportation procedures determined?
The Directorate of Migration evaluates the country’s acceptance, documentation, and ongoing legal process. During lawsuits, alternative measures (e.g., signature obligations) may be requested.

16. What is the capacity and structure of Tuzla GGM?
Reports indicate a capacity of around 700 persons, primarily used for male detainees. (Capacity and structure may change over time.)

17. What are the visiting hours?
Visiting days and hours vary periodically; families should contact the center in advance.

18. Are religious needs accommodated?
Yes. There are prayer rooms and facilities respecting freedom of worship.

19. Can foreign relatives visit from abroad?
Yes, provided they have a valid visa or residence permit and have obtained prior approval from the center.