Citizens living abroad will be able to take their own name and their father’s name as an official surname in the TRNC under the new legislation

Work is continuing on a new system of regulations which enable Turkish citizens living abroad to use their father’s names and surnames as their official surname in the TRNC.

Interior Minister Kutlu Evren stated that the Ministry are preparing for a “revolutionary” update to register legislation.

Minister Evren outlined the changes on Birth and Death Registration Act No. 2/1975, which regulates birth and death registration procedures since 1975. He also emphasised that current regulations in the TRNC enable name changes to happen before each child’s first birthday; this period will be extended to 5 years for children.

Name changes will be possible by court order once individuals reach lawful age, something which is not possible under the existing laws, Minister Evren said.

Minister Evren stated that Surname Rule of the TRNC Members, Act No. 16/1974, which regulates surname procedures, will be updated to “Surname Law”.

Citizens who were born and live abroad could not use their father’s name as their surname in the countries where they were born due to obstacles arising from the current legislation; Evren said that this situation has caused many anomalies.

Minister Evren also stated that the laws will enter into force after being discussed and approved in the Assembly tomorrow.