Edirne Governor Sezer met with the expatriates who came to Kapikule Border Gate to return to their countries after their annual leave, wishing them a safe journey. Governor Sezer later told reporters that all relevant institutions were mobilized to ensure that expatriates’ entry and exit to the country were carried out smoothly. He mentioned that there was a 5% increase in expatriates using the land route to enter the country this year.
Governor Sezer stated that measures have been taken to increase the number of platforms from 12 to 24 in Kapikule, and similar precautions have been taken in Hamzabeyli to increase capacity. He emphasized that before the season started, measures were taken to increase the capacity of Hamzabeyli Border Gate so that passenger and vehicle crossings similar to Kapikule can be made. Expatriates can meet their needs during the waiting time with mobile catering vehicles and portable toilets set up in the area.
Sezer mentioned that the outbound flow of expatriates will continue, even in the first week of September. From June 22 to August 23, a total of 937,313 vehicles entered and exited from 4 border gates, reaching a total of 3,814,544 expatriates. He highlighted the record-breaking moments of July 14 and August 22, with the highest number of vehicle and passenger entries and exits. While there were occasional long waiting times on Thursdays and Fridays, the average crossing time was around an hour on other days, but sometimes it exceeded three hours.
The number of expatriates entering and exiting with vehicles this season has increased by 5% compared to last year, with a total increase of 10% in vehicle and passenger entries since the beginning of the year. Governor Sezer expressed hope that expatriates leaving would arrive safely and comfortably in their home countries. He wished them good health and a safe journey. During Sezer’s visit, he was accompanied by Kapikule District Governor and Deputy Governor Erdogan Beypinar, Provincial Police Chief Onur Karaburun, Deputy Colonel Naim Tavli, Thrace Customs and Foreign Trade Regional Director Nihat Kinik, and other officials.
