GDI Webinar: Navigating Crises: Turkey’s Migration Policies in the Face of Refugee Challenges and Disaster Response

Dates:	3 February 2025
Times:	13:00 - 14:00
What is it:	Webinar
Organiser:	Global Development Institute
Who is it for:	University staff, External researchers, Adults, Alumni, Current University students, General public

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Presenters: Prof Tim Jacoby, Dr Ibrahim Efe

Chair: Prof Tanja Müller

Webinar abstract:

Turkey’s migration policies have undergone profound transformations since the onset of the Syrian conflict, evolving from an open-door approach to a multifaceted framework addressing both refugee integration and voluntary return. The February 6, 2023, earthquakes in southern Turkey near the Syrian border further intensified the challenges faced by host communities and refugees. This study investigates the dynamic evolution of Turkey’s migration policies under the dual pressures of the Syrian refugee crisis and post-earthquake disaster management.

Drawing on expert interviews with the Presidency of Migration Management (G?B) and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the research explores how migration policies have been adapted to balance immediate disaster relief with long-term refugee resettlement strategies. The first phase of the study examines the historical development of Turkey’s migration framework, focusing on responses to international pressures and domestic socio-political changes. The second phase delves into the real-time policy adaptations post-earthquake, analyzing the roles and decisions of G?B and AFAD officials in navigating these dual crises.

By situating Turkey’s migration governance within broader global trends, this research reveals the tensions between humanitarian commitments, domestic integration efforts, and the push for voluntary return. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of frontline implementers in addressing both immediate crises and ongoing migration challenges, offering critical insights into the complexities of migration governance in disaster-stricken contexts.