Streamlining International Student Visa/Resident Procedures
In a significant stride towards enhancing the experience of international students studying in Turkey, a Cooperation Protocol on International Students’ Residence Permit Applications has been established through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Directorate of Immigration Management, and the Council of Higher Education.
President of the Council of Higher Education, Erol Özvar, expressed the aim behind this initiative, stating, “Our objective is to ensure that international students choosing Turkey for higher education receive their legal documents promptly and securely, aligning with our country’s ethos of hospitality.”
Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, emphasized the protocol’s role in streamlining bureaucratic processes, stating, “This protocol will streamline workflows and foster greater cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Higher Education Institutions in the residence permit application processes of international students.”
The protocol signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, was attended by Minister Ali Yerlikaya, President Erol Özvar, and members of the Executive Board of Higher Education, along with esteemed ministry bureaucrats.
President Özvar highlighted the importance of the protocol in strengthening collaboration between the Council of Higher Education and the Directorate of Immigration Management, aiming to facilitate visa and residence permit processes for international students pursuing university education in Turkey.
Recognizing Turkey’s strategic geographical location and the significant influx of human mobility, Özvar underlined the protocol’s role in enhancing cooperation between relevant authorities and higher education institutions. He reiterated the commitment to ensuring the legal status documentation for international students through efficient and secure methods.
Minister Yerlikaya echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Turkey’s competitiveness in higher education and its attractiveness to students globally. He emphasized the importance of migration management for international students and outlined the protocol’s role in simplifying visa procedures and residence permits, thereby minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.
As per the protocol, designated representatives from universities and provincial migration management directorates will be responsible for international student affairs. Student residence permit files will be handled by university Student Affairs Departments and submitted to provincial immigration administration directorates, streamlining the process for students.
Following the insightful speeches, Minister Yerlikaya and President Özvar sealed the Cooperation Protocol on Residence Permit Applications of International Students, marking a significant step towards enhancing the experience of international students studying in Turkey.
