Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi convened with representatives of non-governmental organizations at the Consultation and Evaluation Meeting on Migration held in İstanbul. At the meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Minister of Interior Dr. Mehmet Cangir, Governor of İstanbul Davut Gül, and President of Migration Management Muhammet Selami Yazıcı, the future of migration management and strategies for the upcoming period were discussed.

“We Evaluate Migration Not as an Area of Crisis, But as an Area of Strategic Opportunity”

Stating that they approach migration management from a broad perspective, Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi said, “Our migration management is carried out with a broad perspective, ranging from border security to international protection, and from combating irregular migration to voluntary returns. While on the one hand we combat human trafficking and irregular migration, on the other hand we facilitate processes for a qualified workforce, investors, international students, and scientists. We evaluate migration not as an area of crisis, but as an area of strategic opportunity in terms of knowledge, production, investment, and human resources when managed correctly.”

 “Work Permit Exemption Has Been Introduced for Foreigners Under Temporary Protection”

Speaking at the meeting where the future of migration management, new developments in Syria, and the structural steps taken were addressed, Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi emphasized that Türkiye’s migration policy is built upon a balance of security and humanity, law and compassion. Stating that voluntary returns have accelerated following the regime change in Syria, Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi also announced that a work permit exemption has been introduced for foreigners under temporary protection in order to support registered employment.

“The Law of Brotherhood between Ansar and Muhajir Guides Our Way”

Noting that at the core of the migration management approach, developed under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, lies a balance established between security and humanity, law and compassion, Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi underlined humanitarian and spiritual values, stating: “The law of brotherhood that our Prophet established between Ansar (Helpers) and Muhajir (Migrants) during the Hijrah (Migration) guides our way today as well. Of course, states will protect their borders, ensure public order, and carry out migration management in accordance with the rules. However, while implementing all these measures, human dignity, the law of brotherhood, and the rights of the oppressed must never be disregarded. This is precisely the stance that Türkiye has put forward over the last 15 years.”

 “The Number of Syrians Who Made Voluntary Returns Has Surpassed 1 Million 434 Thousand”

Referring to the process that took place after 8 December 2024, Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi stated, “This process has accelerated the voluntary returns of our Syrian brothers and sisters to their country. The number of those who have made voluntary returns since 2016 has surpassed 1 million 434 thousand. Today, the number of Syrians under temporary protection in our country is 2 million 259 thousand. Approximately one-third of them were born in Türkiye. This situation makes it necessary to address the issue of migration not merely as a temporary population movement, but as a matter with long-term social and demographic dimensions.”

 “We Attach Great Importance to the Registered Employment of Syrians”

Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi explained the administrative and legal regulations implemented in line with the emerging conditions and demands on the ground in Syria as follows:

 “Within the framework of the emerging conditions in Syria, we are comprehensively evaluating the voluntary return processes, the future of the temporary protection implementation, and regular migration mechanisms. Just like all foreigners in our country, we attach great importance to the registered employment of Syrians as well. In this regard, taking into account the labor shortage met by Syrians, we have lifted the requirement to obtain a work permit and introduced a work permit exemption for foreigners under temporary protection.”

 “We Will Shape the Future of Migration Policies Together”

Emphasizing the significance of non-governmental organizations in his speech, Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi concluded his remarks by saying, “Under the leadership of our Esteemed President of the Republic Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a key objective of our Century of Türkiye vision is to contribute to the strengthening of peace, stability, and justice in our region. By bringing together the experience of our state, the conscience of our nation, and the accumulated knowledge of our civil society, we will shape the future of migration policies together.”