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Resources for Syrian refugees working in Türkiye

Issues Advocacy Child Labor Employment Relationship Fair Compensation Health Safety & Environment Responsible Recruitment

The civil war and humanitarian crisis in Syria have, since the middle of 2011, resulted in the mass relocation of refugees into neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Türkiye.  

While the precise number of Syrian refugees settled in Türkiye remains unclear, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that as of September 29, 2014, it had registered more than 1,029,500 Syrian refugees in Türkiye. The Turkish Interior Ministry estimates that the number is probably closer to 1.35 million, with a minority remaining in the refugee camps near the border, though a massive late-September influx of refugees suddenly increased the population in the camps.

Below is a roundup of resources related to this issue:

  • In September 2014, FLA published an issue brief with recommendations for member companies.
  • In November 2015, FLA submitted a letter in response to a request from the government of Türkiye for guidance on the issue of temporary protection regulation.
  • In March 2015, FLA and ETI organized a roundtable meeting.
  • In January 2016, the government of Türkiye published a new “Regulation on Work Permits for Foreigners Under Temporary Protection,” providing access for Syrian refugees in Türkiye to apply for work permits. (English | Türkçe | العربية)
  • In April 2016, FLA members and other organizations published a booklet of resources for Syrian refugees seeking employment in Türkiye. The booklet explains the steps to obtain work permits and provides guidance on topics like minimum working age and minimum wage, the Turkish social security system, the right to refuse unsafe working conditions, and other aspects of national labor law. The guidance will be distributed through the Turkish Ministry of Labor offices in many manufacturing cities across the country. (English | Türkçe)
  • In October 2016, FLA and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security published pamphlets on the risk of child labor in the Turkish ready-made garment and apparel industry, including guidance on the employment of young workers (older than 15 and younger than 18), and the fines associated with various violations of national law related to child labor and young workers. (English | Türkçe | العربية)

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