Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi: "Türkiye is a Powerful Actor that Presents an Exemplary Model to the World in Migration Management"
11.04.2026
Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi issued a message on the 13th establishment anniversary of the Presidency of Migration Management, highlighting Türkiye’s decisive stance on migration management
Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi stated the following in his published message:
"Migration is not mere movement; it is a matter of security, a subject of state governance, and at the same time, a matter of humanity and conscience.
Our Presidency of Migration Management, established by Law No. 6458, has steadily strengthened its institutional memory and operational capacity, alongside its presence in the field, over the past years. We work tirelessly in every field — from managing regular migration processes to effectively combating irregular migration, from international protection to combating human trafficking, and from harmonization activities to voluntary, safe, dignified, and orderly return processes — with an approach centered on human rights, safeguarding our national interests without compromising public order.
Today, Türkiye is not merely an implementer in migration management; it is also a powerful actor that presents an exemplary model to the world. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Presidency of Migration Management on its 13th establishment anniversary and thank all our personnel who perform their duties with great dedication."
In his statement marking the 13th establishment anniversary of the Presidency of Migration Management, President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök stated that Türkiye — on the basis of law, human rights, and national interests — has presented an exemplary model to the world through its historical experience, rational perspective, and humanitarian approach, drawing strength from our civilizational values without compromising public order, public security, and public health. President Hüseyin Kök stated that a holistic model has been developed — observing human rights, prioritizing public order and security, and taking international cooperation as a basis — emphasizing that resolute steps are being taken to combat irregular migration, while simultaneously strengthening digitalization and institutional capacity in regular migration management.
“We Have Reached an Institutional Structure That Does Not Only Manage Migration but Also Shapes the Course of Migration Management”
President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök noted that the foundations of the Presidency were laid 13 years ago and a significant institutional transformation has been achieved since then, offering the following assessment:
“Türkiye’s efforts in the field of migration are managed with a holistic and strategic perspective under the leadership of President of the Republic Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and with the support of our Minister Mr. Mustafa Çiftçi. All activities in the field of migration are carried out under the coordination of the Presidency of Migration Management of the Ministry of Interior and with the participation of all relevant institutions.”
A Human-Oriented and Decisive Stance in Combating Irregular Migration
President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök expressed that Türkiye’s fight against irregular migration is based on a solid foundation that respects human rights, complies with international law, and does not compromise on public order. President Hüseyin Kök emphasized that the 100% successful completion of the 2021-2025 Strategy Document targets is the most concrete indicator of this determination. President Hüseyin Kök stated that the 2026-2030 Strategy Document and National Action Plan, for which preparations have been completed, would provide even greater momentum to Türkiye’s fight against irregular migration.
President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök stated that Türkiye implements a five-pillar strategy against irregular migration conducted in accordance with human rights; these include measures for resolving the problem at its source, effective border security measures, effective apprehension within the country, combating irregular labour, and efficient removal mechanisms.
Diplomacy in Countries of Origin
Stating that the fight against irregular migration is supported not only at the border but also through bilateral relations and diplomatic efforts conducted in countries of origin, President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök noted that efforts are being carried out and information and experience are being shared with many countries, particularly those within our “geography of heart”, with which we share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties.
Integrated Transformation in Border Management and the UKORAM Model
Integrated Transformation in Border Management and the UKORAM Model
Stating that Türkiye’s border security is now ensured through a proactive and integrated border management approach supported by advanced technological systems rather than just physical measures, President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök underscored that a strong institutional and high-technological capacity has been built in this field in recent years.
President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök noted that border security has been strengthened with a multi-layered structure, stating that in addition to security walls, patrol roads, and lighting systems along the border, reconnaissance and surveillance systems supported by electro-optic towers, seismic sensors, and unmanned aerial vehicles are actively being utilized.
President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök stated that irregular migration movements and cross-border risks are analyzed and reported more effectively through the National Coordination and Joint Risk Analysis Centre (UKORAM), which was launched in 2021, offering the following assessment:
“Thanks to the National Coordination and Joint Risk Analysis Centre (UKORAM) — which was established in 2021 to develop common strategies in border management and conduct risk analysis activities, and to issue warnings aimed at reducing both controllable and uncontrollable risks, as well as to ensure coordination among public institutions and organizations responsible for border surveillance regarding risk analysis — we are able to foresee numerous risks, ranging from irregular migration routes to cross-border public health threats, through scientific analysis. We have maximized our capacity through significant modernization moves at our border gates. We have strengthened our land border gates, from Kilis Çobanbey to Hatay Cilvegözü, with modern infrastructure. Furthermore, by taking over Inadmissible Passenger (INAD) procedures at 8 airports, we have ensured uniformity of practice in all procedures and transactions concerning foreigners. With the ‘Single Card at Ports’ project, we have restructured the security concept at our sea border gates.”
Effective Control through Mobile Migration Points
Stating that domestic inspection mechanisms have also been strengthened, President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök said that the Mobile Migration Point implementation — launched in İstanbul on 19 July 2023 and expanded across all of Türkiye in a short time — is currently operational in the field with 375 vehicles and thousands of personnel.
Digitalization in Regular Migration Management
President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök stated that Türkiye attaches great importance to regular migration management in addition to the fight against irregular migration. President Hüseyin Kök emphasized that Türkiye also carries out regular migration processes in an efficient and transparent manner.
Stating that foreigners are informed electronically and their transactions are conducted more rapidly and easily through the domestically and nationally developed GÖÇBİL application and other software, President Hüseyin Kök noted that residence permit application processes have been moved to the digital environment thanks to the e-İkamet (e-Residence) system, which has been in place since 2015. He further stated that notifications have begun to be issued electronically via the National Electronic Notification System (UETS), adding that these implementations both enhance data security and significantly accelerate processing times.
New Facilitations for International Students
New Facilitations for International Students
Stating that significant steps have been taken in line with Türkiye’s goal of becoming an international education hub, President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök expressed that, thanks to the cooperation with the Council of Higher Education, international students can now submit their residence permit applications within their own university campuses without having to visit Provincial Directorates of Migration Management.
Stating that students quickly obtain a Foreigner ID Number (YKN) and complete their official transactions easily thanks to this implementation, President Hüseyin Kök said that their stay in Türkiye is supported by a one-year residence permit offered upon graduation. Furthermore, stating that international students calling YİMER 157 — which provides service in five languages: Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, and Persian — can receive direct and uninterrupted consultancy services by pressing 2, President Hüseyin Kök emphasized that these implementations are among the concrete indicators of Türkiye’s “student-friendly” migration policy.
Turkish and Related Communities
Emphasizing that Türkiye also fulfills its responsibilities toward communities with which it shares historical and cultural ties within its migration management, President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök provided the following information regarding the settlement processes of Meskhetian Turks as an example of the efforts conducted in this context:
“In accordance with the Presidential Decree signed by the President of the Republic Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and published in the Official Gazette, the settlement processes for Meskhetian Turks in Üzümlü, Erzincan, have been completed. Settlement efforts are ongoing in the Ahlat district of Bitlis. In coordination with relevant institutions, activities are being carried out to ensure the social harmonization of our kin. Furthermore, humanitarian support continues for kin and guest communities brought to Türkiye due to regional crises.”
Management of Voluntary Returns in Accordance with Human Dignity
Recalling the words of the President of the Republic Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who stated, “We view the issue of migration through the lens of our millennia-old civilization, our history, and the ancient values that define who we are” President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök emphasized that,
“As in the past, Türkiye has stood by our Syrian brothers and sisters during the voluntary return process and has taken its place on the right side of history. Following the developments in Syria, voluntary returns have gained momentum. Since 8 December 2024, more than 650,000 Syrians have made a voluntary, safe, dignified, and orderly return to their country. Since 2016, the number of Syrians who have voluntarily returned has exceeded 1,390,000. The process regarding returns is conducted with great sensitivity and transparency, in accordance with international standards. These returns, which take place voluntarily, safely, with dignity, and in an orderly manner, are carried out under the witness of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a ‘third eye’. Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, our country has demonstrated a migration management approach that serves as a model for the world in every step it has taken.”
“We Will Further Enhance Our Strong Institutional Capacity in Migration Management”
Concluding his statement, President of Migration Management Hüseyin Kök underlined that international cooperation and developments in migration management are closely monitored through both legal acquis and steps taken in the field. He noted that a proactive approach is displayed by considering the international domino effect of migration, and that work is conducted in efficient coordination with all relevant institutions and organizations. President Kök stated, “With the experience gained in the 13th year of our organization and our strong institutional capacity, we will resolutely continue to maintain a migration management approach that safeguards both the peace and security of our citizens and the rights and legal status of foreigners in our country. We will further advance Türkiye’s institutional capacity in migration management and its vision of being an exemplary model for the world”.
Göç salt bir hareket değil; bir güvenlik meselesi, bir devlet yönetimi konusu ve aynı zamanda bir insanlık ve vicdan meselesidir.
— Mustafa ÇİFTÇİ (@mustafaciftcitr) April 11, 2026
6458 sayılı Kanun ile kurulan Göç İdaresi Başkanlığımız, geçen yıllar içinde Türkiye’nin göç yönetiminde kurumsal hafızasını, kapasitesini ve… pic.twitter.com/4NX1JJ81H7
Göç İdaresi Başkanlığımız 13 yaşında🇹🇷
— Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı (@Gocidaresi) April 11, 2026
Türkiye, göç yönetiminde;
📌Hukuk, insan hakları ve milli menfaatlerimiz temelinde,
📌 Medeniyet değerlerimizden güç alarak,
📌Kamu düzeni, kamu güvenliği ve kamu sağlığından taviz vermeden,
📌Göçün uzun dönemdeki risk ve fırsat… pic.twitter.com/Y0c76XZxJi
Göç, çağımızın en önemli küresel başlıklarından biri; aynı zamanda çok boyutlu bir yönetim alanıdır.
— T.C. İçişleri Bakanlığı (@TC_icisleri) April 11, 2026
Ülkemizde göç yönetimini insan hakları, kamu düzeni ve milli menfaatler dengesi içinde yürüten Göç İdaresi Başkanlığımız; güçlü kurumsal yapısı, etkin saha kapasitesi ve bütüncül… pic.twitter.com/YNMHRqBkwi
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