The movements of migration which nowadays have acquired an international qualification have placed at the top of the agenda not only in the migration-receiving states but also in all geographies through its political, social and cultural dimensions. Thus, having serious effects on societies, the aforementioned human movements have become the main determiner of international affairs and politics. Turkey, located on significant transit routes, is one of the countries which have become a focal point of the aforementioned population movements. The most remarkable example for that is the significant increase in the number of foreigners arriving in our country for various reasons. The number of foreigners entering into and exiting from Turkey is approximately 40 million while the number of foreigners residing in Turkey is over 5 million.

For foreigners, Turkey is a natural bridge connecting east and west due to its geographical position. The most important reason for this situation is due to the geopolitical importance of Turkey. Considering the migration routes, Turkey is a natural bridge connecting the East and the West for foreigners due to its geographical location. Another reason for this is Turkey’s growing economic power and political stability.

The position of Turkey as a “transit country” in terms of movements of migration has undergone some changes in recent years, thus our country has also become a “target country”.

In this context, like the examples in the world, a competent institutional structuring which improves and implements strategies and current policies towards area of responsibility; which is human rights-oriented, equipped with qualified staff and a strong infrastructure was required in terms of effective management of issues in the field of migration. Therefore, Turkey has put new regulations into force with the purpose of determining and implementing more efficient policies on migration. The most important of these regulations is Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection published in the Official Gazette dated 11.04.2013 and numbered 28615.

Law on Foreigners and International Protection has become an assurance for the rights of migrants and international protection seekers by basing an effective asylum and migration management on a strong legal ground. With this Law, the legal framework of the rights of migrants and refugees has been brought in line with the international standards. With this Law also General Directorate of Migration Management has aimed to be organized in 81 provinces, 148 districts and abroad.

General Directorate will carry on its activities with the aim of implementing policies and strategies regarding the migration area, facilitating the coordination between the institutions and organizations on these issues, carrying out the activities and actions regarding foreigners’ entry into and stay in Turkey, their exit and being deported from Turkey, international protection, temporary protection and the protection of the victims of human trafficking.