PM Üstel: “The Welfare, Peace, and Security of Our People Remain Our Top Priority"

“More than three years have passed since I took office as Prime Minister and formed the tripartite coalition. Our roadmap was first and foremost our government program,” Üstel said, noting that he also contributed complementary ideas to guide the process.

“THE WELFARE, PEACE, AND SECURITY OF OUR PEOPLE IS OUR FOREMOST CONCERN”

Acknowledging the broad changes affecting the world and their impact on the TRNC, Üstel stated, “Our goal is to minimize negative influences and maintain the highest possible quality of life in every respect in the TRNC.” He underscored the significant advantage of close cooperation with Turkey, adding that the achievements of the past three years serve as a guarantee for future success.

“The welfare, peace, and security of our people remain our top priority,” Üstel said, highlighting the recent inauguration of the Irregular Migration and Migration Management Center, opened in partnership with Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. He stressed the critical importance of tackling irregular migration for public security, explaining, “I feel the need to make this statement to once again emphasize this importance.”

Üstel pointed to the significant role of service sectors in the TRNC economy, noting that the country’s strategic location and economic vitality have increased human mobility. He mentioned the presence of over 100,000 foreign students at universities and the growth in tourism, leading toward new goals. Likewise, he said that foreign labor enters the country legally as a necessary workforce.

While trade routes once held great significance, Üstel warned that irregular migration routes now pose a serious threat. He highlighted the vital role of technological infrastructure, saying, “In the information age, success in the fight without IT support is unlikely. With this awareness, we activated the Migration Management Center.”

“NO ILLEGAL STUDENTS OR WORKERS — STUDENTS WILL BE IN SCHOOL, WORKERS WILL BE AT WORK”

Warning that unregistered individuals pose potential dangers, Üstel reported that 7,000 people have recently been deported, with those involved in illegal activities punished and security threats removed in line with practices in modern countries. “There will be no illegal students or workers. If a student, they will be at school; if a worker, they will be at their job,” he affirmed.

He explained that the Migration Management Center provides the technical means for immediate detection at entry-exit points and within the country, ensuring the TRNC becomes a significantly safer place.

Thanks to system integration with Turkey, individuals with criminal records or high risk profiles can be identified the moment they enter the TRNC, Üstel said. “Our aim is to raise security in the TRNC to world-class standards through a protective security approach, bringing back the days when people said ‘we used to sleep with our doors and windows open,’” he added.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the TRNC will become the most peaceful, reliable, and lowest-crime country in the Middle East. “Let there be no doubt that we will witness this together,” he concluded.