Turkish Dependants Now In Line With ECAA

New changes relating to dependants of Turkish citizens came into force on 1st June 2009.

Bringing the visa application definition of ‘dependants’ of Turkish citizens in to line with other European countries, even though Turkey is not a full member of the EU.

As a transcontinental country, reaching across both Europe and Asia, Turkey is in a unique geographical position and has fostered strong relations with both continents, as well as the Middle East. For the purposes of UK visa applications, Turkish citizens had, until the changes, not been considered European, although there were certain rights for Turkish citizens wanting to come to the UK to establish their own business.

The changes brought about by the UK Border Agency relate to the dependants of Turkish citizens that are already in the UK legally to ensure that these people are dealt with in the same way as others under the European Community Association Agreement, or the ECAA. The policy has now been expanded so that the definition of dependants includes husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner or child of someone with a valid permission to stay in the UK, under the rules of the ECAA.

This means that the dependants of Turkish citizens that are legally in the UK are now treated the same as other nationalities, with no discrimination of same-sex partners. For any applications made on or after 1st June 2009, this change will be taken into consideration, as long as the applicant adheres to the other requirements of the UK visa application system.

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