What Is the G-82 Restriction Code and How Is It Removed?

The G-82 restriction code is a security code among the restriction codes applied in Türkiye regarding foreigners. A “restriction code” is an administrative coding system that records a foreigner’s status related to entry into Türkiye, residence, or deportation procedures. G-82 is specifically applied to foreigners who engage in activities against national security or for whom there is suspicion of such activities.

• When this code is imposed, the foreigner may be indefinitely barred from entering Türkiye.
• If the foreigner is currently within the borders of Türkiye, their residence permit may be cancelled and a deportation decision may be issued.
• In applying the G-82 code, the administration has broad discretion; however, this discretion must be supported by concrete and legal grounds.

In summary, the G-82 restriction code is a measure aimed at preventing entry into Türkiye by foreigners deemed “objectionable” in terms of national security and at imposing sanctions on their current situation.

Reasons for Imposing the G-82 Restriction Code

The G-82 code is not automatic; it is applied under certain conditions and suspicions. Below are the most common grounds and points to consider:

Reason / Criterion	Explanation
Activities against national security	Support for terrorist organizations, espionage, intelligence activities, anti-state propaganda, etc.
Suspicion and intelligence information	Action may be taken based on information received from MIT (National Intelligence Organization), police or other intelligence units.
Lack of concrete evidence	In practice, the code is sometimes imposed based only on “suspicion,” without sufficient concrete evidence.
Code imposed while abroad	An entry ban may be imposed following an assessment made while the foreigner is outside Türkiye.
Processes linked to residence permit, visa, or entry status	If the person resides in Türkiye and a security-related assessment is made during this period, the code may be imposed.

For these reasons, it is important that the person can defend themselves and counter the measure with proper legal arguments.

Legal Consequences of the G-82 Code

The application of the G-82 code may have different consequences depending on whether the foreigner is inside or outside Türkiye. Key effects include:

1. Entry ban
   When attempting to enter Türkiye, the person may be refused entry at border gates due to the G-82 code.
2. Indefiniteness
   The G-82 code generally entails an indefinite entry ban; it is not expected to be lifted automatically over time.
3. Cancellation of residence permit and deportation
   If the foreigner is in Türkiye, residence permits may be cancelled and a deportation decision may be issued.
4. Annotated visa (exceptional cases)
   Without lifting the code, an annotated visa may exceptionally be granted. However, this possibility is limited and applies only for special reasons (such as a funeral or serious illness).
5. Recording of the code and reputational impact
   Having the code recorded may cause reputational issues in other countries in the future.
6. Legal time limits for the applicant
   From the notification of the code, the person gains the right to apply to the administrative judiciary within a specific period.

Given these effects, timely and effective legal action against the G-82 code is critical.

Removal of the G-82 Restriction Code: Legal Procedures

A person subject to the G-82 code may apply several legal avenues to have the code lifted. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Objection / Complaint

A written objection can be filed with the administrative authority that imposed the code. This objection should:

• Present concrete reasons,
• Include evidence and documents,
• Explain why the imposition of the code is unlawful.

The administration must respond to this objection within 30 days. If no response is given, it is deemed rejected. A lawsuit must be filed at the end of the 30th day; otherwise, the right to sue is lost. It is important that the petition be clear, proper, and understandable. Otherwise, when a lawsuit is filed, the Presidency of Migration Management may use such defective petition against the applicant. Therefore, it is crucial that the petition be correct, proper, and clear.

2. Filing an Annulment Action in Court

If the objection is rejected or no response is given, an annulment action must be filed within 60 days; otherwise, the right to sue is lost.

• The competent court is generally the administrative courts in Ankara.
  The court will request the information and documents on which the administration based the G-82 code. If the administration fails to provide this basis, the act will be annulled.

3. Annulment Action against the Deportation Decision

If a deportation decision is issued along with the application of the code, a separate annulment action must be filed against this decision.

4. Objection to Administrative Detention Decisions before the Magistrate’s Court

If an administrative detention decision is issued together with the code, an objection may be lodged with the Magistrate’s Court against this decision.

5. Individual Application to the Constitutional Court / ECtHR (European Court of Human Rights)

After exhausting domestic remedies, an individual application to the Constitutional Court may be filed. At this stage, arguments concerning violations of rights (the right to seek justice, the right to a fair trial, etc.) may be raised.
At a more advanced stage, an application to the ECtHR may be possible (international judicial review).

Strategies & Tips for Lifting the G-82 Code

Points to consider for a successful action to lift the code:

1. Obtaining concrete evidence and administrative documents
   The intelligence or official documents forming the basis for the code should be requested during the proceedings. If the administration fails to submit these documents, the act may be deemed unlawful.
2. Filing the lawsuit on time
   Objection or lawsuit processes are limited by strict deadlines; missing them may result in loss of rights.
3. Professionally drafted defense
   The reasons why the code is unjust should be presented together with information that dispels suspicion about the person. Legal and factual arguments must be complete.
4. Request for an annotated visa
   If a temporary single entry is needed without lifting the code, an annotated visa application may be made; this process should be supported by very strong documents and reasons. In practice, consulates generally do not issue visas to foreigners with a G-82 restriction code.
5. Expert reports in court
   If necessary, expert/technical reports (security, intelligence, etc.) may be requested regarding the grounds for the code.
6. International law arguments
   Arguments based on human rights, constitutional rights, and international conventions may be advanced, especially in proceedings before the Constitutional Court or the ECtHR.
7. Professional legal assistance
   Working with an experienced attorney specializing in restriction codes provides a significant advantage in this process.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• The G-82 Restriction Code is a severe administrative measure that prevents foreigners from entering Türkiye and is applied on the grounds of national security.
• It is possible to have the code lifted; however, it is essential to follow procedures, collect evidence, and present a strong legal defense.
• Deficiencies such as limitation periods and procedural errors increase the risk of losing the case.
• The annotated visa option may offer temporary solutions in some cases, but the general solution should be the annulment of the code.
• Working with an expert lawyer can significantly increase the likelihood of success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the G-82 Restriction Code

1. What Is the G-82 Restriction Code and What Does It Mean?

The G-82 restriction code is a security and entry-ban code imposed by the Presidency of Migration Management of the Republic of Türkiye on foreigners who are considered objectionable in terms of national security or for whom there is intelligence-based suspicion to that effect.

When this code is imposed, the person:

• Cannot enter Türkiye,
• If already in Türkiye, their residence permit may be cancelled and deportation proceedings may be initiated,
• The code is generally applied indefinitely and is based on the administration’s discretion.

2. In What Situations Is the G-82 Restriction Code Imposed?

The G-82 code may be applied in the following situations:

1. When the foreigner has engaged in activities against national security or there is suspicion thereof,
2. When associated with terrorist organizations, espionage, or illegal structures,
3. When MIT, the Police, or intelligence units report a security risk,
4. When an entry ban is imposed as a result of a preliminary assessment made while the person is outside Türkiye,
5. When the security screening during a residence or visa application yields a negative result.

These assessments are generally conducted confidentially, and the reasons may not be explicitly disclosed to the person.

3. How Long Does the G-82 Restriction Code Last?

The G-82 code is mostly indefinite.
However, unless it is lifted administratively or by a court decision, it will not be deleted from the system on its own.
In some cases (e.g., suspicion limited to a specific event or period), the administration may set five- or ten-year periods.
But these periods are rare in practice — most G-82 codes continue indefinitely.

4. Can the G-82 Restriction Code Be Lifted?

Yes.
The G-82 code can be lifted through objection, an annulment action, or a superior administrative application.

Steps to follow:

1. Ascertain why the code was imposed.
2. Prepare an administrative objection petition (include documents, defense, passport details, non-security arguments).
3. If the objection is rejected or no response is given within 30 days, file an annulment action before the administrative court within 60 days.
4. If the court finds the basis for the code insufficient, the G-82 restriction code is lifted.

5. What Documents Are Required to Lift the G-82 Restriction Code?

• Copy of passport and ID,
• Letter from the Presidency of Migration Management or the consulate indicating that the code has been imposed,
• Documents showing that the G-82 code was wrongly or unjustly imposed (certificate of no criminal record, intelligence error, etc.),
• Documents proving ties to Türkiye such as residence, employment, family, education,
• Objection or lawsuit petition prepared by a professional attorney.

Completeness of documents is very important in persuading the administration or the court.

6. Can a Person with a G-82 Restriction Code Enter Türkiye?

Under normal circumstances, no.
If the G-82 code is active in the system, the foreigner is not allowed to enter Türkiye at the border.

However, there are some exceptions:

• An annotated visa (for funeral, serious illness, judicial summons, etc.) may be obtained.
• In this case, the person may enter Türkiye only for a specific purpose and for a short time.
• An annotated visa does not lift the code; it only provides a temporary exception.

7. What Legal Remedies Are Available Against the G-82 Code?

1. Administrative objection: Filed with the authority that imposed the code.
2. Annulment action: If the objection is rejected or no response is given within 30 days, file within 60 days.
3. Request for stay of execution: A temporary suspension of the application of the code may be sought.
4. Individual application to the Constitutional Court: Can be filed alleging rights violations (fair trial, private life, freedom of movement).
5. Application to the ECtHR: Possible after exhausting domestic remedies.

8. Which Laws Form the Basis for the G-82 Restriction Code?

The G-82 code is directly based on the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458.

In particular:

• Article 9: Entry ban to Türkiye,
• Article 53: Appeal against deportation decision,
• Article 54: Grounds for deportation,
• Article 97: Confidential information and security assessments.

Provisions of the Administrative Jurisdiction Procedures Act (IYUK) also apply in the annulment action process.

9. Can a Stay of Execution Be Granted Against the G-82 Code?

Yes.
When an annulment action is filed, a stay of execution may be requested from the court.
This ensures temporary non-application of the code until the case is concluded.

For a stay of execution, the court requires the following two conditions together:

1. Presence of clear unlawfulness, and
2. Risk of irreparable harm.

If these two conditions are met, the court may temporarily suspend the application of the code.

10. How Long Does It Take to Lift the G-82 Code?

The duration varies depending on the administration’s response, the court’s workload, and the scope of the file.

• Administrative objection process: approximately 30–60 days
• Annulment action process: approximately 6 months to 1.5 years
• Constitutional Court / ECtHR processes: 1–2 years

The most effective way to shorten these periods is to proceed with complete documentation and a professional defense.

11. Can the G-82 Code Be Wrongly Imposed?

Yes, but it is very rare.
In some cases, the administration may wrongly impose the G-82 code due to incorrect information, outdated intelligence records, or similar-name confusion.

In such cases:

• If there is no criminal investigation against the person,
• If the person has legally resided in Türkiye for many years,
• If the person can prove they are not a security risk,
  the code is highly likely to be annulled.

12. How Does the G-82 Code Differ from the G-87 Code or Other Codes?

Code	Definition	Scope
G-82	National security risk	Generally intelligence- or security-based
G-87	Danger to public security	Broader; behaviors threatening public order

In other words, G-82 is one of the most severe restriction codes, directly related to national security.

13. What Happens After the G-82 Restriction Code Is Lifted?

Once the code is lifted:

• The entry ban to Türkiye is removed,
• The person may reapply for a visa or residence,
• The registry will show “no active restriction code”.

However, in some cases, an archival trace of the old record may remain in the system; therefore, it is advisable to explain the situation in subsequent applications.

14. What Is the Most Effective Legal Strategy for Those with a G-82 Code?

• First, learn the basis of the code,
• Prove with concrete evidence that there is no security risk,
• Prepare the objection petition in accordance with procedure,
• Do not miss the 60-day litigation period,
• If necessary, request a stay of execution,
• Seek support from an expert immigration law attorney.

15. What Are the Most Common Mistakes Related to the G-82 Code?

1. Filing random applications without learning the reason for the code,
2. Missing deadlines (30–60 days),
3. Filing objections with incomplete documents,
4. Copying legal petitions from the internet and drafting defective petitions,
5. Not obtaining professional assistance.

These mistakes may lead to the dismissal of the case or prolong the process.

16. Are There Precedent Court Decisions on the G-82 Code?

Yes.
The Council of State and administrative courts have ruled that even in acts based on confidential intelligence, the administration must submit concrete evidence.
If the administration cannot document the grounds for the code, the act is annulled.

17. Does the G-82 Code Affect Family Members?

Yes, indirectly.
If a spouse, child, or close relative has a G-82 code, security screening in family reunification or residence applications may yield negative results.
Therefore, lifting the code is important not only for the person but also for family members.

18. Is It Mandatory to Obtain Attorney Support for the G-82 Code?

It is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended.
The process involves confidential intelligence, administrative documents, and legal deadlines.
A professional lawyer can properly conduct both administrative and judicial applications and increase the chance of success.