Alanya is close to resolving issues regarding residence permits for foreigners: an optimistic outlook from the head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Eray Erdem, head of the Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ALTSO) and a renowned expert in the tourism sector, has shared encouraging news regarding the long-awaited resolution of difficulties surrounding the issuance of residence permits to foreign nationals. According to him, following prolonged efforts and active negotiations in Ankara, the situation is finally approaching a positive conclusion, which is particularly important for the region’s large Russian-speaking community.

In recent years, Alanya has faced serious challenges in the area of migration regulation. Restrictions on short-term residence permits (ikamet) have affected not only tourism and property, but the entire local economy: from construction to the service sector. Many foreigners, including Russians, who had been actively investing in local projects and buying property, found their applications for document renewals rejected. This led to an exodus of some residents, a decline in business activity and difficulties for entrepreneurs. Erdem emphasised that the problem is systemic in nature and has affected employment, investment and the resort’s overall development.

The Chamber’s head noted that his team has been working intensively on this issue for some time. Recent meetings in the capital were constructive, and there is now reason to expect the main barriers to be removed in the near future. The support of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Antalya MP Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu plays an important role in the process. Erdem expressed confidence that joint efforts would yield results and that Alanya would be able to fully capitalise on the potential of foreign investment.

Erdem placed particular emphasis on the initiatives of Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Treasury and Finance, to attract foreign investment. Resolving the issue of residence permits will enable the region to respond actively to these calls, restore investor confidence and strengthen Alanya’s position as an attractive destination for living and doing business. “Although the sector has suffered certain losses, we still have significant potential. We need to resolve this issue more quickly so that we can make a more substantial contribution to the country’s economy,” the expert noted.

These statements have been received with enthusiasm in Alanya’s business circles. Local entrepreneurs hope that simplifying procedures will not only bring back former residents but also attract new ones, boosting tourism, property sales and related sectors. No official confirmation has yet been received from the immigration authorities, but Erdem’s comments, based on direct contacts with high-ranking officials, give hope for positive changes in the near future.