NEW residence permits for expats in Turkey are now being issued with pictures of the holders – in a move that will strengthen ID security.

Previous concerns had been raised by expats that the new style resident permits were not being backed up bearing the image of the holder.

It was raised at a recent meeting with the British Embassy and the General Directorate of Migration Management. It appears those calls have now been heeded.

One of the first persons to get their hands on an ID card with her picture was Didim-based Sharon Ozdemir.

And she was doubly-shocked when she discovered that the turnaround time for a renewal was about a week.

Sharon, (44), who has lived in the resort for nine years, said: “I submitted all the paperwork on Monday June 1 and had received the permit by Tuesday June 9. That was incredibly fast, but was then surprised to see that they were now issuing images on the cards.

“The speed, the efficiency and the fact they have strengthened the card with ID security, similar to the ID that Turks have, is really positive.”

Although admitting that the application form filling on line had caused a “few stressful moments”, she had been able to send all her paperwork off, including the original receipts of 55TL for the card and 80USD for the year.

She said: “I hope it gives people a bit of a boost that the renewal application system is getting, and working well once you get over the application online. At least I don’t have to worry about it.

“What I would say is that anyone’s card that is up for renewal, should begin the process well within the 60-day deadline and not leave it to the last minute.”