 to 500 lira ($15) amid mounting criticism for putting the burden for the recovery of the country’s economy on regular citizens.){kind=link}
The Turkish government is increasing the overseas departure fee by 233 percent, raising it from 150 lira ($4.50) to 500 lira ($15) amid mounting criticism for putting the burden for the recovery of the country’s economy on regular citizens.
There has long been a controversy about the planned increase in the departure fee, applicable to travel by land, sea, air and rail, with claims that it could be increased to as high as 3,000 lira ($90).
Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) group chairman Abdullah Güler made the announcement about the hike in the departure fee at a news conference in parliament on Tuesday.
The proposal is a part of a broader austerity package aimed at addressing Turkey’s economic crisis drafted by Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek. The package, which also includes amendments to Turkey’s tax code, was submitted to parliament on Tuesday. Since the AKP and its allies have a majority of seats in the parliament, the bill is expected to pass.
The departure fee was initially set at 50 lira in 2001 and has seen several increases over the years, with the most recent hike in March 2022 raising it to 150 lira.
According to the proposed legislation, the departure fee will be increased every year from now on.
Certain groups are exempt from paying the fee, including Turkish nationals residing abroad, children under seven and operators of commercial transport vehicles. Additionally, individuals with dual citizenship who use their foreign passports and those traveling to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with an identity document are also exempt.
The proposal has been met with fierce opposition from various segments of society. Critics argue that the exorbitant fee hike places an undue financial burden on citizens, particularly those from lower-income brackets, and infringes on their constitutional right to freedom of movement.
Airfares in Turkey are already considered high, and the additional fee will further strain the budgets of travelers. Many believe they are paying a considerable sum for a piece of paper that serves no purpose.