Türkiye plans for increased Syrian voluntary returns with new model

Atay Uslu, the Chairman of the Turkish Parliament’s Migration Commission and Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Antalya Deputy provided insights into the commission’s visit to Gaziantep and Kilis, according to Türkiye daily reports.

During this visit, Uslu shared that the number of Syrian returnees to their homeland is expected to rise, with the government continuing to manage the process of voluntary returns as a global model.

Details

• Increasing voluntary returns: The Migration Commission expects a rise in the number of voluntary returns as the weather warms up and schools close. Syrians and nongovernment organizations (NGO)s have indicated that these factors are motivating more returns.
• Türkiye as a role model: Uslu emphasized that Türkiye’s management of the refugee crisis is now focused on the return process, which is viewed as a success story and a model for other nations to follow.
• Sector-specific concerns: Farmers express concerns about labor shortages if Syrians leave, while industrialists propose creating a new model, similar to Hong Kong or Dubai, where free trade zones could be established to support both trade and labor.
• Sector-specific plans: A new integrated model is being planned in Cobanbey, combining trade, labor, and the return of Syrians. This area will focus on developing new economic opportunities through a free export zone concept near Aleppo and Gaziantep.