Syrian refugees exploited by smugglers on Turkish-Syrian border, reveals report

The illegal entry of Syrian refugees from Ras al-Ain, in northwestern al-Hasakah, into Türkiye, continues despite a decrease in smuggling activity over the past two years.

Many cross into Türkiye in search of work or to use it as a transit point to reach other countries. The perilous journeys, filled with the threat of fraud, injury or even death, come at a significant financial cost.

According to a Syrian non-profit organization, Enab Baladi, the price of being smuggled from Ras al-Ain into Türkiye ranges between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the routes and risks involved. For many Syrians facing dire economic conditions, this sum is staggering.

In Ras al-Ain, daily laborers earn between 80,000 and 100,000 Syrian pounds, while the exchange rate stands at 15,000 Syrian pounds per U.S. dollar. Despite the high costs, many of these attempts fail, with individuals often caught by Turkish border guards or falling victim to unscrupulous smugglers.

Victim Syrian refugees of smuggling fraud

Residents of Ras al-Ain frequently fall prey to fraudsters who exploit their desperation. Smugglers promise safe routes and easy journeys in exchange for large sums of money, only to disappear or abandon the migrants midway through the journey.

Marwan, displaced from Homs to Ras al-Ain, was defrauded after paying $4,500 to a smuggler. The smuggler abandoned him two kilometers past the border, leaving him vulnerable. After waiting for hours, Marwan was arrested by Turkish border security and sent back to Ras al-Ain, marking his fifth failed attempt to cross into Türkiye.

Similarly, Adnan, who paid $3,800, was promised a trouble-free crossing. However, upon reaching the border, he and other passengers faced gunfire from Turkish guards. Adnan was eventually detained and fined by the Ras al-Ain police.

Fatima Hassan, another resident, sought to reunite with her husband in Norway through illegal entry into Türkiye. After paying $3,500 to a smuggler, the individual vanished, forcing her to redirect her plans to Lebanon.

Deadly consequences of smuggling attempts

The smuggling of people across the border can have fatal consequences. In December 2023, a young man named Moeidi Jassem al-Barghash was shot and killed by Turkish border guards during an attempt to enter Türkiye illegally, highlighting the life-threatening nature of these journeys.

Efforts to combat smuggling

The Turkish government has increased its border security in recent years, installing advanced thermal cameras and deploying additional troops along the frontier. These efforts have contributed to a significant decrease in smuggling activities.

Additionally, the local council in Ras al-Ain, in cooperation with military and civil police, has implemented strict anti-smuggling laws. These regulations impose fines and prison sentences on those attempting to smuggle or cross illegally.

Ziad Malki, spokesperson for the Ras al-Ain local council, told Enab Baladi that penalties for smugglers now include prison terms of up to five years, along with fines for those caught trying to cross into Türkiye.

Repeat offenders face escalating fines and, after a third offense, a mandatory three-month prison sentence.

Economic pressures drive smuggling attempts

Ras al-Ain, located along the Turkish border, remains a central hub for those attempting to cross into Türkiye illegally. Despite the risks, many Syrians from al-Hasakah, Raqqa, and Deir Ezzor flock to the area in search of a way out.

Some have abandoned their attempts after repeated failures and have chosen to establish small businesses in Ras al-Ain. Others continue to risk their lives in hopes of a better future.

Although the local council is working to provide economic opportunities and reduce reliance on smuggling, the challenging conditions in Syria continue to push people toward these dangerous and illegal routes.