MIGRATION AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN TURKEY

• Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey has historically been a country of origin,

transit and destination for migrants. With its geopolitical location on the route

from the Middle East to Europe and open conflicts continuing in neighbouring

Iraq, Iran, Syria, Africa and Palestine Turkey hosts one of the largest migrant populations in the world.

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�The number of migrants and refugees residing in Turkey now stands at 3.9 million, over 90 per cent of whom are Syrian and came to Turkey as a result of ongoing conflict in Syria. 3.6 million Syrians have registered for Temporary Protection in Turkey.�

The sheer number and diversity of migrants and refugees in Turkey demands effective humanitarian assistance, migrant protection and migration management strategies. ��In Turkey, governments, international organizations, and humanitarian organizations are working together to develop comprehensive policies and actions to sustainably manage migration and facilitate its potential positive outcomes.�

Syrian Refugees in Turkey�

• The first contingent of Syrian refugees entered Turkey on 29 April 2011.

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• The number of registered Syrian refugees was 2.656.456

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• There are 25 temporary refugee camps in 10 cities.

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• Approximately %10 of Syrian are living in these refugee camps, the remaining %90 are distributed throught Turkey.

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Migrant Camps in Turkey

Positive Impacts of Refugees on Turkey

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• Job vacancies and skills gaps can be filled
• Economic growth can be sustained
• Immigrants bring energy and innovations
• Host countries are enriched by cultural diversity
• Brought benefits to the tourism industry through the development of new air routes
• Contributed new ideas and a fresh approach to firms

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Positive Impacts of Refugees on Turkey

In addition to these economic benefits :

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• Incomers have helped the health and care services to continue functioning

• Contributed to cultural diversity

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• Increased the vitality , especially of some rural schools

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Negative Impacts

• Depression of wages may ocur
• Having workers willing to work for relatively low pay may allow employers to ignore productivity ,training and innovation
• Migrants may be exploited
• İncreases in population can put pressure on public services
• Unemployment may raise if there are unrestricted numbers of incomres
• There may be integration difficulties and friction with local people
• Large movements of people lead to more security monitoring
• Ease of movement may facilitate organised crime and people trafficking

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Negative Impacts

Summary and Conclusion

• Immigration poses a number of challenges to receiving states

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• It is inevitable that immigration would be viewed as a threat to society and the economy, as well as to internal security and public order

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• It often results in racist attitudes , the exclusion of immigrant groups , and the perception of the immgrant as the enemy

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• Immigration can be beneficial for migrants , but only if their rights are protected properly

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• Interview with some foreign students in our school and their thoughts about our country

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Summary and Conclusion

• Immigration can be economically beneficial for both countries of origin and host countries

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• Migration brings social and cultural pressures that need to be taken into accountant in planning for future services

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• Migration has the potential for bringing people together culturally

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• It is also essential to provide good information about the local way of life to newcomers and ensure opportunities for people to mix and integrate

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