In this report, we bring you a statement from David Reddaway, the British Ambassador to Turkey, and also a general update on a few outstanding matters.

Following KTLN's visit to the British Consulate office in Istanbul on Thursday, we can tell you the latest on residency fees, the pending introduction of the new 90/180 day visas, SGK health insurance, and a few other items.

We should preface our report by saying that some of these issues are still 'work in progress', but nonetheless, we thought you might appreciate an update.

The British Ambassador in Turkey
First, a statement from our Ambassador, which begins with a comment about tragic events in the east of Turkey, but goes on to deliver an encouraging message in relation to residency fees.

“This is a difficult time for people in Turkey, and I know we all feel great sympathy for those who have lost family, loved ones or friends as a result of PKK terrorist attacks – which the UK government has strongly condemned – and in the earthquake near Van. The Queen, The Prince of Wales and the Prime Minister have all sent messages of condolence. And we have sent over a thousand winterised tents to help people made homeless by the earthquake.

So it is nice to have some good news for all our British residents in Turkey.

You will be aware that last year we persuaded the Turkish government to reduce the price of residence permits, and many of you have been kind enough to tell me how welcome this has been.

That reduction was for a trial period. I am delighted to be able to let you know now that the Home Secretary signed an agreement with the Turkish government on a range of issues in Ankara last week. This included agreement that the reduced residence permit fee for UK citizens would be confirmed on a permanent basis, in balance with the overall cost of UK residence permits.

I am very grateful to the Turkish government for agreeing to this, and hope it will be a welcome early Christmas present to you all.

Between now and Christmas, as you may know, the President of Turkey will be making a State Visit to the UK at the invitation of The Queen. This symbolises how strong UK/Turkey relations now are. You may also be interested to know that the Turkish Minister of the Interior told the Home Secretary that Turkey welcomes and values the British communities here, and that you play an important and positive part in building relations between the two countries. So I must thank you for doing this.

David Reddaway, British Ambassador to Turkey”

Universal Health Insurance - SGK
Consular officials have been meeting with the Turkish Ministry of Health about the government's SGK health scheme. 

Some British expats trying to register on SGK, had been told that the scheme was closed to them. It seems that an incorrect link may have been made by the Turkish authorities, between receiving a State pension and eligibility for NHS treatment.

We are advised that SGK offices will be 'reopening' the healthcare scheme to those who have already registered and to new registrants.  However, we are informed that British expats are going to need a letter from the NHS confirming their ineligibility for treatment in the UK. 

So the British Embassy is following this up with the NHS, to see how feasible it is, and whether they can come to an agreement with the Turkish Authorities on what documentation will be accepted.

Ideally, KTLN would like to see a situation where every single UK ex-pat does not need to get the same piece of paper, explaining the rules on the eligibility (or not) to NHS treatment, but instead, the British Embassy provides a clear explanation to the Turkish authorities, which can be relayed to all SGK offices, as the default position.

So where does that leave us with SGK?  In short, it is still far from plain sailing.  We still don't know if it is advisory or compulsory.  It is possible to get private health care insurance  - a bit like the UK equivalent of BUPA or PPP, but if SGK becomes compulsory, then clearly, nobody is going to use private cover as well, and pay twice.

Right now, it is impossible for KTLN to provide definitive guidance on SGK health cover.  We await further developments.

The 'on hold' 90/180 day visa
The latest news on this is that the new visa regulations are unlikely to be introduced this year.  It seems probable that the new 90/180 day scheme will be introduced in time for the 2012 main tourist season. 

However, we must stress, this has not yet been confirmed.  Details of the new scheme have still to go before the Turkish Parliament for approval. 

The Turkish authorities have said they will try to provide notice of when the new rules are to be implemented.

In the meantime, visitors need to be very clear about the fact that the old 90 day rules still apply, even if they are given one of the new 90/180 day stamps in their passport. 

The fact is that the old visa stickers are now obsolete stationery, with new visa stickers being brought into use, in anticipation of the new rules coming in.  The authorities can not re-order the old stickers, and apparently, they will not make any manual annotations in your passport, that the wording on the sticker is not strictly true.  So please be careful.

Government cut backs - the FCO
In view of the introduction of austerity measures back in the UK, (as well as elsewhere), we asked the Embassy how government cut backs would impact on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), and its consular services in Turkey.

We were reassured to hear that we will not see any reduction in front line services.  For example, all of the consular offices will remain open, and in fact, as tourist numbers in Turkey are predicted to increase, there are no plans to lose any staff.  Savings will be made by improving the efficiency of back office administration. 

So no cut backs, however we did notice on our visit to the British consulate office in Istanbul, on Thursday, that there was a distinct lack of Ferrero Rocher chocolates.  Have they had to cut back?  It may be a coincidence, but earlier in the day the British Home Secretary, Theresa May had been visiting the Consulate office.  Who ate all the chocolates?

Foreigners department in Kaş
A short time ago, we raised the question of having a foreigners department at the Police station in Kaş.  Click here to read the previous KTLN article.

Over 200 people put their names to a document requesting such a facility.  This was passed on to the British Embassy, who did raise the question on your behalf. 

We still don't have an answer, but our contacts at the Istanbul Consulate have agreed to follow this matter up.  We will let you know as and when we hear something.

Right hand drive cars permanent imports
Just a small point, on a subject close to our heart - retired residents importing a UK car into Turkey.  We know quite a few UK, right hand drive cars in Turkey, however, it has been confirmed that from now on, you will not be able to import a right hand drive car into Turkey. 

If you live on the continent of Europe, and you wish to bring your left hand drive car to Turkey, then this is possible, as long as you qualify in terms of residency.

What this means for those right hand drive cars already here in Turkey is not clear.  Although most are in Turkey, with the intention of being here permanently, in fact, you have to renew your paperwork periodically. 

We hope that the new rules are not applied retrospectively on any right hand drive cars already over here.

Thanks to the FCO in Turkey
Finally, KTLN would like to thank Susan Wilson, who is Director of Consular Services, and her staff, for welcoming us on Thursday.  We think they do a great job, sometimes in challenging circumstances. 

There are always going to be ongoing, and emerging issues that take time to resolve, but we believe that the consulate staff are doing their level best to find solutions, which help British visitors and expats in Turkey.

Although we do think their stock levels of Ferrero Rocher need to be urgently reviewed!

Kalkan Turkish Local News - your window on Kalkan Turkey