Here below you can find lists of links to websites and to social media about living in Turkey for everyone, especially migrants and refugees. All this information about Turkey covers the whole country on multiple aspects like asylum, housing, education, healthcare, employment, and others.
Useful information about Turkey
Directorate General of Migration Management DGMM
This is the official website of the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM). The DGMM is a Department of the Ministry of Interior of Turkey. The Turkish Interior Ministry is the government branch typically responsible for policing, local government, and public administration. The DGMM covers all information and regulations about visas and migration status for foreign nationals in Turkey.
This website is in six languages. Some pages from the original Turkish version might be not translated. You might be better translating the Turkish website through Google Translate.
https://goc.gov.tr – in Turkish
https://en.goc.gov.tr – in English
https://de.goc.gov.tr – in German
https://ru.goc.gov.tr – in Russian
https://www.goc.gov.tr – in Farsi
https://ar.goc.gov.tr – in Arabic
List of DGMM Service Units: https://en.goc.gov.tr/service-units0 (English)
List of DGMM regional offices: https://en.goc.gov.tr/provincial-organisation (English)
Verification Appointment System for Foreigners under International and Temporary Protection
Foreign nationals use this system to book an appointment to update and verify their data for temporary and international protection.
It’s available in English, Turkish, Arabic, Farsi, and Pashto.
Videos for Registration for Syrian Refugees in Turkey
Videos in Arabic explaining the procedures for registration in Turkey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUDHbZnDcTw (Part 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bUsxTRdgQc&t=46s (Part 2)
Temporary protection for Syrian Refugees
Basic summary of laws and systems related to temporary protection for Syrian refugees.
The “temporary protection” (TP) regime establishes a safeguard against the return of individuals under “temporary protection” to Syria against their will for those registered with Turkish authorities. Finally, the “temporary protection” enables registered individuals to access fundamental rights [&] entitlements including health care services, education, social assistance, and interpretation.
Refugees Rights Turkey has information on “Rights in Detention” in 7 languages
Very useful information booklets for asylum seekers and refugees in six languages. Legal Information Brochures for Asylum Seekers and Service Providers: Rights and Procedures under “International Protection” in Turkish, English, Arabic, Farsi, French and Somali (2018?) Refugee Rights Turkey
Refugee Solidarity Network https://www.facebook.com/RefugeeSolidarityNetwork/ (Facebook page) https://www.refugeesolidaritynetwork.org/
A detailed report on Urban refugees in Turkey, kind of help people gets from municipalities and suggestions to improve the system. (Published in January 2017) General summary and some major laws regarding refugee laws in Turkey (English) https://www.loc.gov/law/help/refugee-law/turkey.php Facebook group for Iraqi Refugees in Turkey (since 2016) https://www.facebook.com/groups/915953528517558/ Facebook group Refugees in Turkey (Arabic) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557116831169479/ UNHCR Turkey Find out about your rights, obligations and the services available to you on the UNHCR website bellow
W2eu.info – Welcome to Europe
For freedom of movement: Independent information for refugees and migrants coming to Europe http://www.w2eu.info/turkey.en.html (English) http://www.w2eu.info/turkey.ar.html (Arabic) http://www.w2eu.info/turkey.fa.html (Farsi) http://www.w2eu.info/turkey.fr.html (French)
Welcome to Turkey!
An info-guide for refugees and migrants in english, farsi (October 2016)
https://w2eu.info/turkey.en/articles/turkey-contacts.fa.html (Farsi)
https://w2eu.info/turkey.en/articles/turkey-contacts.en.html (English)
Rights in Exile Programme
List of pro bono legal assistance providers is a directory of organizations, lawyers, and others who are able to assist refugees free-of-charge in legal matters and help secure refugee rights. This list may also be of use to legal providers assembling and arguing cases elsewhere in the world for information on country of origin, case development, and other help. http://www.refugeelegalaidinformation.org/turkey-pro-bono-directory – All Languages in Google Translate List below all organisations working in this Country that can be relevant to migrants and refugees, any clinic, for example, is relevant. Please comment if you interacted with these organisations.
Syrian Refugees and NGOs in Turkey
Graphic Map of all Organizations supporting refugees in Turkey. Click on the Area/Town and you will the Organizations are working in there. https://graphcommons.com/graphs/a5f158c2-9d58-4745-9fe5-97bc9d86dac4
Services Advisor in Turkey
Organizations providing assistance in Turkey by the kind of assistance turkey.servicesadvisor.org/#/ – Arabic turkey.servicesadvisor.org/#/ – English turkey.servicesadvisor.org/#/ – Farsi turkey.servicesadvisor.org/#/ – Kurdish (Kurmanji) turkey.servicesadvisor.org/#/ – Persian turkey.servicesadvisor.org/#/ – Turkish
(Who, What, Where, Contact)
UNHCR Representation in Turkey Refugee help and protection working on all Turkey Enis Behic Koryurek Sokak No: 15/A, ]Aziziye Mahallesi, 06550 Cankaya, Ankara, 06550 Ankara, Turkey +90 312 409 7300 turan@unhcr.org SGDD- ASAM Refugee and asylum case help and protection working on all Turkey, in many cities throughout Turkey they are the only ones working on vulnerable migrants, refugees and asylum seekers Aşağı Dikmen Mah. Galip ErdemCad. No:42 Çankaya, Ankara +90 312 427 55 83 // +90 312 212 60 12 sgdd@sgdd.org.tr CARITAS Services in the fields of emergencies, health, education, social adjustment and employment. working in Istanbul at least, more cities? Harbiye Cayiri sok 64, Elmadağ 80230, Istanbul, Turkey +90 212 23 44 564 // +90 212 23 31 193 caritas@caritas-tr.org MAYA VAKFI Assistance to schools for refugees and psychological support to refugees and asylum seekers especially children working just in Istanbul? Ebulula Mardin Cad., Akatlar Maya Sitesi M BlokAkatlar 34335, BEŞİKTAŞ – İSTANBUL, TÜRKİYE +90 (212) 351 00 20 info@mayavakfi.org // volunteer@mayavakfi.org IMPR Humanitarian Operational Humanitarian projects info@imprhumanitarian.org +90 312 287 70 10 facebook.com/pg/imprhumanitarianaid
Turkey links, visa, asylum, travel documents, passports, identity cards
Websites or documents about legal rights and procedures about migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in this country. Please feedback and comment UNHRC Help Website Here, refugees and asylum-seekers can find information to help them know more about their rights, obligations and the services available to them. Take a look around and discover what you need to know about your stay in Turkey, including where you can go to seek further assistance. http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/ (English) http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/ar/ (Arabic) http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/tr/ (Turkey) http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/fa/ (Farsi) Refugee Rights Turkey – Very Useful information Very useful information booklets for asylum seekers and refugees in six languages. Legal Information Brochures for Asylum Seekers and Service Providers: Rights and Procedures under “International Protection” http://mhd.org.tr/en/activities/153-refugee-rights-turkey-website-has-been-renewed – in Turkish, English, Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish, French, Somali and Russian facebook.com/refugeerightsturkey fb Mazlumder Genel Merkez Legal Advice in Turkey facebook.com/MAZLUMDERgenelmerkez/ Aida – Asylum Information Database Report Mapping asylum procedures, reception conditions, detention and content of protection in Europe asylumineurope.org/reports/country/turkey Advocates Abroad Advocates Abroad provide legal aid and information to refugees and migrants in Turkey regarding their asylum options and rights. https://advocatesabroad.org HRDF – Human Resource Development Foundation Offers psychological and social support to refugees in 7 cities across Turkey: Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir, Bilecik, Kütahya, Van, Ağrı www.ikgv.org/index1_en.html Refugee Rights Turkey Provides both group and one-to-one counselling. Legal representation is also available. https://www.mhd.org.tr/en/about
Turkey links, education, school, university, enrolment
Right to Education Video in Arabic explaining the procedures to education access in Turkey. https://youtu.be/DRJaOjGbAqk School education is free for asylum seekers and refugees after they get their kimlik in Turkey. There is Turkish government scholarships for higher education of Syrian students. UNHCR information on education for non-syrians https://help.unhcr.org/turkey/information-for-non-syrians/education/ Follow the link below: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en/ – English https://turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/tr – Turkish ISTANBUL: The situation in Istanbul is pretty tragic, many schools are being created by society, in order to guarantee some education to the syrian kids. These schools can’t give any certification at the end of the year because they don’t count as real schools. IZMIR: -TIAFI ABC Service: The ABC Service provides additional support to Syrian and Turkish children in their school duties such as homework, exams, and projects.
Read more about Education in the UK
Turkey links, healthcare, health insurance, doctors, clinics, mental health, hygiene, hospitals
Websites or documents about healthcare rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in this country. Please comment and feedback on any experience you had using these services. Health Care Services Video in Arabic explaining the procedures to health care services access in Turkey. youtu.be/rERxMpSkW3A
New Born Registration Video in Arabic explaining the procedures to newborn registration in Turkey youtu.be/CZLNawxnjWc
DOCTORS WORLDWIDE TURKEY They work in different cities. Yeryuzu Doktorlari +90-212 586 1212 Merkezefendi Mh. Dere Sk. Bina No: 10 Ek Bina No: 1 34015 (Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi yanı) Zeytinburnu, İstanbul – TÜRKİYE International AID Doctor organization +90 212 533 10 13 aid.doctors@gmail.com Derviş Ali Mahallesi, Fevzi Paşa Caddesi, Aktar Kerim Sokak No:21 (Edirnekapı, Opposite Mihrimah Sultan Mosque) Fatih/İstanbul
Turkey links, hotels, renting, buying, housing, shelter, accommodation, camps
Websites or documents about possible places and accommodation where people can live in this country. Please comment and feedback on any experience you had using these services. AFAD The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey helps accommodating refugees in tents, camps. It’s called AFAD. Üniversiteler Mah. Dumlupınar Bulvarı No: 159 ( Eskişehir Yolu 9. Km ) Çankaya/ Ankara https://www.afad.gov.tr/en/ Here is the list of contact numbers of relevant departments. https://www.afad.gov.tr/en/2634/AFAD-Contact-List Şefkat-Der Istanbul place for homeless persons. sefkatder.org Facebook page
Turkey links, employment, jobs, work permits, bank account, cash transfer, welfare
Frequently Asked Questions about Work Permit in Turkey
Work Permits Video in Arabic explaining the procedures to get work permits in Turkey youtu.be/Ow0pDOsyf4c
This is a job agency with branches all over Turkish cities to help find migrants job. www.iskur.gov.tr/en – English www.iskur.gov.tr/ – Turkish If you want to find contact/ address of particular branch in a city try to use the Turkish version of the website www.iskur.gov.tr/ozel-istihdam-burolari/acik-kapali-buro-listesi/ Syrian Forum rizk.syrianforum.org/ – Arabic On this website, they might find work in the whole of Turkey. United Work
unitedwork.com.tr/about-us/ Acts as a recruitment service for Syrian refugees. Also provides pre-job training, such as soft-skill and CV/interview workshops. This could be a helpful facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/unitedwork.tr/ Turquoise Tassel Knitting work for women only. The women can work from home as well if they want to! turquoisetassel.com/home Instagram: instagram.com/turquoisetassel/ Gocmen kadinlar: Work for women only. Knitting and handmade work. Instagram: instagram.com/gocmenkadinlar/ Facebook: facebook.com/gocmenkadinlar/ This is a French association that is part of Istanbul and I, a french group of associations in Istanbul. Yusra Community Center Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polesolidariteistanbulaccueil/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/istanbulaccueil.polesolidarite Knitting and work on sustainable development in Balat. They help women and mothers getting their independence. Even if they don’t know how to knit, they’ll learn there. This association is effective and the women are very happy there. EKIP Only for women, association in which women are formed to run a small business in Tarlabaşı. In this case, it will be Syrian food, but probably more kinds of business are going to be developed. ekiplatformu.com/ – Turkish ekiplatformu.com/en – English ekiplatformu.com/ar – Arabic Facebook: facebook.com/ekiplatformu/
ESSN (KIZILAYKART-SUY) Financial Assistance Program March 2018
ESSN is open for applications for all foreigners living in Turkey under temporary or international protection. Hotline Phone Number (Free): 168
http://kizilaykart-suy.org/EN/index.html (English)
http://kizilaykart-suy.org/AR/basvuru0.html (Arabic)
http://kizilaykart-suy.org/FA/basvuru0.html (Farsi)
http://kizilaykart-suy.org/TR/basvuru0.html (Turkey)
https://www.facebook.com/Kizilaykart.SUY/ (Fb)
Phone Numbers and address (the lists of Turkish Red Crescent’s Service Centers and foundations to apply for ESSN and to get information):
http://kizilaykart-suy.org/EN/basvuru2.html (English)
Winter Cash Programme (CURRENTLY FINISHED)
This year’s UNHCR Winter Support Programme aims to help vulnerable refugee families to prepare for and get through the winter. Those eligible for assistance will receive a prepaid MasterCard ‘Pttkart’ from a PTT branch. The debit card will be loaded with an amount between TL 700 and TL 1000, proportional to the size of the family. It can be spent in any shop that accepts MasterCard as well as used to withdraw cash from any PTT branch or ATM machine.
http://wt.unhcr.org.tr/subpages/page_en.aspx (English)
http://wt.unhcr.org.tr/subpages/page_ar.aspx (Arabic)
http://wt.unhcr.org.tr/subpages/page_fa.aspx (Farsi)
http://wt.unhcr.org.tr/subpages/page_tr.aspx (Turkey)
The Association for Human Rights and Solidarity for the Oppressed – MAZLUMDER World
Address: Molla Gürani Mah. Şehit Pilot Mahmut Nedim Sk. No: 5 Kat: 5 Fatih / İSTANBUL
E-mail: world[a]mazlumder.org | Telephone: +90 (0212) 526 2440
http://world.mazlumder.org/en/main/pages/about-us-who-we-are/116
KARAM FOUNDATION
Sponsor families in Turkey (education for children and in a weakness situation). It is not possible for refugees/asylum seekers send a message by fb or website.
https://www.karamfoundation.org/sponsor-a-syrian-refugee-family
Syrian Forum
The Syrian Forum works to empower the Syrian society at all levels. Working with local councils and civil society organizations in Syria has been an option for the Syrian Forum since its inception until today
http://www.syrianforum.org/ (arabic)
https://www.facebook.com/SyrianForum/ (Arabic)
Turkey links, women, men, LGBTQ+, elderly, disability, minorities, diasporas
KAOS GL
LGBT organization based on Ankara and the only one recognized as association in Turkey.
http://www.kaosgl.org/home.php
SPOD
HIVI
Turkey links, emergency, police, free food, homeless shelter, help support hotlines, other
Websites or documents about where to find food, clothes, tents and any kind of emergency stuff for destitute migrants and refugees in this country.
AFAD
The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency is the sole competent authority concerning disasters and emergencies, and works like an umbrella organization, collaborating with the Turkish General Staff, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Forests and Hydraulic Works and other relevant ministries as well as non-governmental organizations, depending on the nature and magnitude of the disaster or emergency.
Turkish Red Crescent
The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency is the sole competent authority concerning disasters and emergencies, and works like an umbrella organization, collaborating with the Turkish General Staff, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Forests and Hydraulic Works and other relevant ministries as well as non-governmental organizations, depending on the nature and magnitude of the disaster or emergency.
https://www.kizilay.org.tr/ (English)
https://www.kizilay.org.tr/Home/Index (Arabic)
https://www.kizilay.org.tr/Home/Index (Turkey)
List of offices in Turkey:
Turkey links, local information, capital, cities and regions
Istanbul
Heart Workers
Websites or documents about this city . Ordinary people supporting mostly syrian refugees and families to cover the basics. Can help pay for rent, bills, food. We are a small group of people who express their solidarity with the refugees by:
* visiting the slum they live in, usually every weekend (Solfasol/Haci Bayram Veli/Onder–Ankara)
* finding out their needs / recording new families
*paying for their bills or finding people who can do it instead of us (we send you a photo of the bill and you can pay online or in person in the PTT)
* bringing the people whatever they need and we can get hold of:
food, clothes, medication, school items, toys, household items. Sometimes we buy these with our own money, but more often people give them to us.
Ankara
-ARM: ministry of Kurtulus Church
(Protestant, evangelical churches).
Website: http://ankara-refugees.com/
*distribute food boxes to 500 refugee families each week. one food box-> 1 week food for 3 ppl.
*clothing, blankets, hygiene kits, children’s coats and more.
*first aid room-> simple health services and basic medications.
*English language courses ; Turkish language course.
*art group, where women can gather together to process their experiences through making art.
*art opportunities for children during the food distribution as well.
*Jaraki Sewing Project, where we teach refugee women to make purses, tablet cases, messenger bags, etc. from old Turkish rugs. -> http://ankara-refugees.com/sewing-project/
–Coffee Haus Coffee Roasters:
The cafe employs refugees and trains them in marketable business skills.
Gaziantep
-ILO The ILO is responsible for the socio-economic stabilization of Syrian and host community women and girls. (UN AGENCY) cooperation with ASAM. https://www.ilo.org/ankara/projects/WCMS_644741/lang–en/index.htm
*mentoring/role model system for empowerment of women;
*resources for small scale income generation activities
*Providing market oriented vocational and technical training courses
*entrepreneurship courses for Syrian women
Sanliurfa
-Haliliye Belediyesi
https://www.haliliye.bel.tr/ (Turkey)
https://www.facebook.com/haliliyebld/
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Izmir
Turkey links, frequently asked questions
Here are the main questions people are asking us. Please feel free to contact us and comment
1. How to get Winter Assistance? CURRENTLY FINISHED
This year’s UNHCR Winter Support Programme aims to help vulnerable refugee families to prepare for and get through the winter. Those eligible for assistance will receive a prepaid MasterCard ‘Pttkart’ from a PTT branch. The debit card will be loaded with an amount between TL 700 and TL 1000, proportional to the size of the family. It can be spent in any shop that accepts MasterCard as well as used to withdraw cash from any PTT branch or ATM machine.
http://wt.unhcr.org.tr/subpages/page_en.aspx (English)
http://wt.unhcr.org.tr/subpages/page_ar.aspx (Arabic)
http://wt.unhcr.org.tr/subpages/page_fa.aspx (Farsi)
http://wt.unhcr.org.tr/subpages/page_tr.aspx (Turkey)
2. How to register/get the KIMLINK number?
ASAM, a UNHCR implementing partner organization, registers asylum-seekers on behalf of UNHCR. When temporary protection is achieved, it is received an ID number called KIMLINK no in Turkey words. People needs to contact to UNHCR or SGDD-ASAM
Links for information in UNHCR Help website:
- Welcome Page
http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/ar/ (Arabic)
http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/fa/ (Farsi)
http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/tr/ (Turkish)
http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/ (English)
- Registration with UNHCR
http://help.unhcr.org/turkey/information-for-non-syrians/reception-registration-and-rsd-with-unhcr/ (English)
- Registration with Turkish Authorities (KIMLINK)
SGDD-ASAM:
https://www.facebook.com/asamsgdd/ (Facebook Page)
http://en.sgdd.info/?page_id=11 (List Of SGDD-ASAM OFFICE in Turkey)
UNHCR Turkey:
https://www.facebook.com/TURKEYUNHCR/ (Facebook Page)
http://www.unhcr.org/turkey.html (WebSite)
ARTICLES AND SOURCES OF NEWS ABOUT SYRIA
The above cover image was taken at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by Adli Wahid on Unsplash
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