Turkey Engages UK on New Ankara Agreement Visa Rules

Ambassador Ümit Yalçın, Turkey’s envoy to London, recently discussed ongoing talks with British authorities regarding new rules for Ankara Agreement visas. These changes are part of the UK's new migration strategy post-Brexit, as reported by Dünya newspaper.

The Ankara Agreement, established in 1963, allows Turkish nationals to start businesses or become self-employed in the UK, granting them residency rights. However, recent changes have extended the time required to obtain indefinite residence permits from four years to five years. Additionally, while these permits were previously free, applicants now face a fee of £2,389 ($2,983).

Ambassador Yalçın mentioned that Turkish authorities are supporting their citizens in legally challenging these new rules. He also noted that the exact details of the new framework remain unclear, as British authorities are still uncertain about whether the UK will leave the EU with a deal or face a no-deal Brexit.

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