Three hundred special police officers, originally hired to patrol the Green Line and prevent illegal crossings through the UN-controlled buffer zone, have reached the end of their contracts. Those wishing to remain in the force are now competing for permanent positions, the justice ministry said on Wednesday.

Responding to recent press reports, the ministry clarified that the 300 officers were hired on 18-month contracts, which were later extended by ten months. These contracts are set to expire in July 2025 and cannot be renewed again.

The justice ministry, deeming the need for these officers to be ongoing, submitted a request to the finance ministry – via the police chief – for the creation of 300 permanent posts. This request was approved in January, and the positions were advertised in February.

The ministry said the contract officers had the opportunity to apply for the new permanent roles. A total of 796 applications were submitted, and 596 candidates sat the required examinations.

According to earlier reports, officers hired in 2023 have been deployed to key areas, including patrolling the Green Line, manning police checkpoints, and guarding migrant detention centres.

An internal police memo confirmed that 179 of the contract officers will leave the force on July 16 without financial compensation for unused leave.

Police unions SAK and Isotita have pushed for solutions, including exam-based promotion procedures similar to those introduced in the military.