Türkiye prepares 2-stage plan for Syrian migrants
Syrians returning home, Hatay, June 19, 2018 (AA Photo)
Ankara plans to facilitate the return of millions of refugees once it receives assurances from the Assad regime regarding their safety and the restoration of their property rights.
As the possibility of a meeting between President Erdogan and Syrian leader Bashar Assad grows stronger, new strategies are being devised for Syrian refugees in Türkiye.
According to the gathered information, the Presidency has initiated a new migration management study divided into two phases: integration and repatriation. Various stakeholders are being consulted, especially on integration policies.
The business community has long advocated for asylum-seekers to receive work and residence permits and be formally employed.
If integration policies are enacted, the first step will involve integrating asylum seekers into the labor force as registered workers.
Preparations for the necessary legal framework are also underway.
Policies will be developed to address various aspects of integration in Turkey for those who choose not to return to Syria, including cultural adaptation, employment, residence, and language proficiency.
The return of Syrian refugees hinges on reaching an agreement with the Assad regime. Turkey has been insisting on “safe return conditions, guarantees of safety, the restoration of property rights in Syria, and resolution of property issues” for the 3.5 million Syrians currently in Türkiye.
If these conditions are met, repatriation discussions will likely dominate the agenda. Both Türkiye and Syria are expected to introduce incentive policies to facilitate the return process.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has commented on the normalization of relations between the two countries, stating: “Normalization with Türkiye depends on returning to the pre-2011 conditions that ensured the security and stability of both nations. Syria is always open to positive initiatives aimed at improving relations. We extend our gratitude to the brotherly and friendly countries sincerely working toward this goal.”
