Residency permits in Turkey could be revoked if expats there spend more than four months out of the country.
The new measure could curtail residence permit for foreigners who leave Turkey for more than 120 days every year.
Initially the 120-day rule applied only to those who applied for a residency permit after April 2014. But as of January 16 this year, the rule was extended to include people who obtained a permit before 2014.
The impact is likely to be felt by many of the estimated 40,000 British expats there. Foreigners are obliged to have either private or state health insurance, at a cost of around £88 per month. But they may find that if their residency is cancelled, their health cover could also be made invalid.
Buying a car or motorcycle and getting a phone line and internet link in Turkey requires a residence permit. These items too could be invalidated if a permit is cancelled.
The British Embassy in Turkey has confirmed that if someone is out of Turkey for more than 120 days in the previous 12 months, the residence permit will be cancelled on re-entry. The person must then obtain either an e-visa or visa on arrival to cover the stay until they reapply for a residence permit.
Some expats are considering visiting Turkey, rather than residing in it, as a holiday visa can be had for £12 to cover 90 days.
