What Is the G-26 Restriction Code and How Can It Be Removed?

The G-26 restriction code is part of the “restriction code” system applied to foreigners in Turkey and falls under the “G” category. This code is specifically imposed on individuals who are suspected of being involved in illegal or terrorist organization activities.

Restriction codes may lead to serious legal consequences, such as prohibiting a foreigner’s entry into Turkey, affecting their residence permit eligibility, or serving as the basis for deportation decisions.


G Codes and Their General Context

In Turkey, restriction codes generally begin with the letters “Ç”, “G”, “V”, or “N”. This classification indicates the type of legal issue involved:

  • Ç Codes: Related to visa, residence, or work permit violations, including overstaying a visa period.
  • G Codes: Connected to serious issues such as general security, public safety, criminal activity, or suspected links to illegal organizations.
  • V and N Codes: Used for special administrative conditions (e.g., annotated visas, pre-approval requirements, etc.).

In this context, the G-26 code falls under the category of “criminal or organizational connection suspicion.”


Reasons for the Application of the G-26 Code

The G-26 restriction code may be imposed on a foreign national under certain circumstances based on suspicion or factual findings.

  1. Participation in Illegal Organization Activities
    If a person is a member of, or has any connection with, an illegal or terrorist organization, the G-26 code may be applied.
  2. Intelligence Reports and Security Assessments
    Reports provided by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), police authorities, or other security bodies may lead to the imposition of this code.
  3. Suspicion or Preventive Measures in the Absence of Sufficient Evidence
    The G-26 code may be applied even without a court decision, based solely on administrative or intelligence evaluations.
    In such cases, the right of defense becomes crucial — the code itself does not constitute a criminal conviction.
  4. Connection with Deportation Procedures
    In most cases, the application of the G-26 code is accompanied by deportation proceedings.

In summary, the G-26 code is based on security or organizational suspicion and is implemented upon the assessment of administrative authorities.


Legal Consequences of the G-26 Restriction Code

Although the imposition of the code itself does not constitute punishment, it produces several administrative and legal effects:

Effect

Explanation

Entry Ban

A person with a G-26 code cannot re-enter Turkey.

Deportation

If the individual is in Turkey, deportation (removal) procedures may be initiated.

Barrier to Residence or Visa Applications

The code may result in visa or residence permit rejections.

Right to Legal Challenge

The decision can be challenged through administrative objection and annulment proceedings before a court.

Important note: The code is not automatically removed (except in very rare cases); its removal requires an active legal process.


Methods to Remove or Annul the G-26 Restriction Code

There are three primary legal remedies to remove a G-26 restriction code:
Administrative objection, annulment lawsuit, and annotated visa (meşruhatlı vize) application.
Additionally, separate procedures exist for appealing deportation decisions.


1. Administrative Objection

  • An objection must be filed within 60 days of the date the decision was officially notified.
  • The objection petition must be submitted to the competent authority (usually the Directorate General of Migration Management) and must contain detailed legal arguments demonstrating the unlawfulness of the code.
  • The Directorate must respond within 30 days. A lack of response or silence is considered a rejection.
  • The objection process suspends the time limit for filing a lawsuit.
  • If the person is outside Turkey, they may authorize a lawyer in Turkey through a power of attorney to submit the objection on their behalf.

2. Annulment Lawsuit (Administrative Court)

  • If the objection is rejected (or no objection was filed), the individual may bring an annulment action within 60 days before the Administrative Court.
  • The lawsuit must be filed against the Directorate General of Migration Management, meaning that the case must be filed in Ankara.
    Therefore, the assistance of a lawyer based in Ankara is particularly important.
  • The petition may include a request for stay of execution; if accepted, the code’s effects are suspended during the trial.
    However, to obtain this, the applicant must prove both “irreparable harm” and “clear unlawfulness.”
  • If the court rules in favor of the applicant, the G-26 code is officially annulled and all its effects are removed.

3. Annotated Visa (Meşruhatlı Vize)

  • Even if the code is not removed, a person may still enter Turkey through an annotated visa, which is a special visa issued for specific purposes such as family reunification, employment, education, trade, or medical treatment.
  • However, this method does not erase the restriction from the system; it only allows temporary entry.
  • In practice, visa requests are frequently rejected when a G-26 code is active.

4. Appeal or Annulment of Deportation Decisions

  • If a deportation (removal) order is issued alongside the G-26 code, the foreigner may also challenge it through administrative objection or an annulment lawsuit.
  • In such cases, a stay of execution may be requested from the court to suspend deportation procedures.

Process and Time Limits

  • Objection Period: 60 days (starting from notification date)
  • Response Period for the Administration: 30 days (failure to respond is deemed rejection)
  • Lawsuit Period: 60 days (after objection result or from direct notification of the code)
  • Court Proceedings: Duration may vary depending on case complexity, evidence, and judicial workload — typically between 6 to 12 months.

Jurisdiction and Competent Authorities

  • The case is an annulment action brought before the Administrative Court.
  • The Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) is the respondent authority.
  • The lawsuit must be filed in Ankara, as DGMM is headquartered there.

Practical Recommendations for Individuals Facing the G-26 Code

  1. Examine the Notification Carefully
    Identify the date, issuing authority, and stated reasons — these details are crucial for appeal and litigation strategy.
  2. Collect Supporting Evidence
    Submit all documents proving your lawful stay, employment, or family situation — and any material disproving the alleged security links.
  3. File Your Objection Without Delay
    Submit a well-reasoned petition within 60 days of notification to the competent authority.
  4. Prepare for the Lawsuit
    If the objection is rejected, promptly file your lawsuit within the required time frame before the correct court.
  5. Request a Stay of Execution
    This prevents the code’s effects (e.g., deportation or entry ban) while the case is pending.
  6. Consider Applying for an Annotated Visa
    This may allow temporary entry to Turkey — though refusals are common.
  7. Work with a Qualified Attorney
    Cases involving restriction codes are technically complex; consulting an immigration lawyer located in Ankara is highly advisable since the case must be filed there.

Conclusion

The G-26 restriction code is a serious administrative measure that can lead to severe consequences for foreigners in Turkey.
Its removal is only possible through timely, well-prepared appeal and litigation processes supported by sufficient evidence and legal reasoning.
Anyone facing such a code should act without delay and seek professional legal assistance.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1. What is the G-26 restriction code?

The G-26 restriction code is one of the administrative measures applied to foreigners in Turkey.
It is generally imposed on individuals suspected of being connected with illegal or terrorist organizations.
It may result in entry bans and cancellation of residence permits.


2. What is the legal basis of the G-26 code?

The code is based on Articles 9, 54, and 55 of the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK),
which authorize administrative measures against individuals who pose risks to public order, public security, or public health.


3. Who imposes the G-26 code?

The Directorate General of Migration Management applies the code, usually relying on reports from the Police Directorate or the National Intelligence Organization (MİT).
It is recorded in the GöçNet database and visible to all immigration and border authorities.


4. Is a court decision required to impose the code?

No.
The G-26 code is an administrative measure, not a criminal conviction.
It can be imposed based on intelligence assessments, but it remains subject to judicial review through an annulment action.


5. Can a person with a G-26 code enter Turkey?

Normally no.
However, an exception exists: the person may enter Turkey with a special annotated visa (for family reunification, employment, study, or medical purposes).


6. What happens if the person is already in Turkey?

If the individual is present in Turkey, the Migration Authority may issue a deportation order.
The person can then appeal or file an annulment lawsuit.


7. On what grounds is the G-26 code applied?

  • Suspicion of involvement with a terrorist or illegal organization
  • Negative intelligence reports
  • Risk to public order or security
  • Suspicion of criminal activity or aiding such acts

8. Does the code mean the person committed a crime?

No.
The G-26 code does not mean a criminal act was proven; it is an administrative security precaution.


9. How long does the G-26 code remain valid?

It has no fixed duration.
It remains in the system until it is removed by the authority or annulled by a court.


10. Is the code removed automatically over time?

No.
The code does not expire automatically — it must be formally lifted through appeal or court judgment.


11. How can one appeal a deportation decision linked to G-26?

A deportation decision must be challenged within 7 days by filing an annulment lawsuit before the Administrative Court.


12. How is an administrative objection filed?

A reasoned objection petition must be submitted within 60 days of notification to the relevant authority,
stating that the person poses no security risk and that the decision is unlawful.


13. Which court has jurisdiction over G-26 cases?

The Administrative Court in Ankara, since the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) is based there.


14. What is the time limit for filing a lawsuit?

An annulment action must be filed within 60 days of notification.
Failure to do so results in the loss of the right to sue.


15. Does the entry ban remain during the lawsuit?

Yes.
However, if the court grants a stay of execution, the entry ban is temporarily suspended.


16. What is a “stay of execution”?

It is a temporary suspension of the administrative decision’s effects while the court reviews the case.
The court grants it if there is clear unlawfulness and irreparable harm.


17. Does the entry ban immediately end if the code is lifted?

Yes.
Once the court decision becomes final or the administration cancels the code, it is deleted from the system (GöçNet), and the entry ban ends.


18. Can the person get a visa from another country?

The G-26 code only applies within Turkey.
However, countries sharing Interpol or intelligence data with Turkey may consider it, which could lead to visa refusals.


19. Does the code prevent residence permit applications?

Yes.
As long as the code exists in the system, residence permit applications are rejected.


20. How long does it take to remove the code?

Administrative appeals usually take 1–2 months, while lawsuits may last 6–12 months, depending on the complexity.


21. What is the difference between G-26 and G-87 codes?

  • G-26: Indicates suspected links with illegal organizations or security-related intelligence concerns.
  • G-87: Broader category for persons posing general threats to public security.
    Thus, G-26 is more specific in nature.

22. What if the code was applied by mistake?

If the code was issued due to a mistaken report or misidentification, an objection petition may be filed requesting its correction or removal.
However, such mistaken applications are very rare in practice.


23. Can someone with a G-26 code visit Turkey as a tourist?

No.
As long as the code is active, tourist visas are not issued, and entry is denied.


24. Does the G-26 code affect citizenship applications?

Yes.
It negatively affects security clearance checks and leads to citizenship application rejections.


25. Is it mandatory to hire a lawyer to remove the code?

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
These cases require technical legal expertise.
If the process is mishandled or deadlines are missed, the case may be rejected, and the person loses the right to re-apply.


26. Can a lawsuit be filed if a criminal investigation is ongoing?

Yes.
The restriction code is an administrative measure, separate from criminal proceedings.
Both processes can run independently.


27. How can one find out that the code has been applied?

Usually discovered through:

  • Refusal of entry at a border gate,
  • Rejection of residence permit applications, or
  • Direct inquiry to the Migration Directorate.

28. Does the G-26 code mean there is an Interpol record?

No.
The G-26 code is a domestic administrative record.
However, in cases where an Interpol Red Notice exists, the two may appear simultaneously.


29. Does the code remain visible after it is removed?

No.
Once removed, the code is deleted from the active system, but a historical archival record may remain internally.
This does not create a new restriction by itself.


30. Are there any problems entering Turkey after the code is removed?

Generally no.
However, sometimes the system update may take time.
It is advisable to carry a copy of the court decision or administrative letter confirming removal during travel.

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