The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the Ugandan government has started negotiations with authorities in Turkey that will see Ugandans detained in the county released.
It was reported earlier this week that at least 87 Ugandans were being detained in various detention centres in Turkey, with majority being accused of overstaying their visas to the country.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they have taken up the case in coordination with the Ugandan Embassy in Ankara, Turkey’s capital, and have conducted consular visits to six detention centers.
“As a result of these consular visits, a total of 87 Ugandans have been identified and confirmed by officials of the Ugandan Embassy in Turkey to have been detained by Turkish authorities due to overstaying their visas, which is a violation of the Republic of Turkey’s immigration regulations,” Waiswa said.
Waiswa said that the embassy of uganda in Turkey has so far visited Harmandali, Silvre, Tuzla, Erzurum 1, Erzurum 2, and Edirne detention centres to offer the necessary consular and legal assistance required by the detained Ugandans.
Bagiire further added that the government, through the ministry, is engaging relevant Turkish authorities to find a mutually acceptable solution to address the problem. He also promises to communicate with the affected families regarding any developments.
Bagiire however, urged Ugandans to always abide by the immigration regulations of the host countries they reside in and Turkish Passport Law 5682 prohibits overstaying in the country for visitors and tourists after being given a visa.
