A NEW era of applying for your residence permit via the Internet is about to dawn for foreigners, the head of the government department overseeing the changes has said.

The comments emerged at a conference hosted yesterday (Monday May 11) by Mr Atilla Toros, head of the Directorate General of Migration Management, for district governors, deputy general managers and Department Heads.

Mr Toros said that as many as 200,000 foreigners from 52 countries had applied in 2014, with the most living in 15 provinces, including Istanbul, Alanya, Aydin and Hatay.

A unit called the Provincial Directorate of Immigration Administration would help oversee new e-information systems which would link institutions and organisations focused on immigration.

He said that for the first time, residents will be able to apply via the Internet.

He added that the new era would deliver a better quality service for residents and a quicker process.

More information about the new system will be given out shortly.