Turkey's Humanitarian Residence Permit
The humanitarian residence permit in Turkey is a type of residency permit given to people who need international protection because of war, conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Its goal is to provide temporary help and safety to people who can't return to their home countries and must be safe and cared for.
The Turkish government gives out the permit, which is good for one year and can be renewed if the person still meets the eligibility requirements. To get a humanitarian residence permit, a person must apply through the local migration office and show proof that they need international protection.
Once granted, the permit gives individuals the right to live and work in Turkey, access healthcare, and enroll their children in school. It also shows how to get a work permit and how to apply for Turkish citizenship in the future.
But it's important to remember that a humanitarian residence permit is not a way to get permanent residency or Turkish citizenship. People may have trouble getting services and fitting in with Turkish society. Also, not everyone who applies for a humanitarian residence permit gets one because the process involves a careful look at whether or not they are eligible for protection.
Eligibility Criteria for Turkey’s Humanitarian Residence Permit
Individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria for a humanitarian residence permit in Turkey. These criteria include:
International Protection Needs: Individuals must demonstrate that they are in need of international protection due to circumstances such as war, conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. This may include providing evidence of their personal experiences, such as threats to their safety or human rights violations.
Personal Circumstances: Individuals must also demonstrate that they are unable to return to their home country due to the risks they face, such as persecution or violence. Additionally, individuals may be considered for a humanitarian residence permit if they are unable to obtain protection from their own government or if they are stateless.
Supporting Documentation: Individuals must provide supporting documentation to prove their claims, such as identity documents, medical records, police reports, and other relevant evidence.
Ability to Support Themselves: Individuals must also demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves in Turkey. This may include proof of employment, savings, or other sources of income.
Public Order and Security: Finally, individuals must not threaten public order or security in Turkey. This means that individuals with a criminal record or who are considered a security risk may not be granted a humanitarian residence permit.
It's important to note that the eligibility criteria for a humanitarian residence permit may change over time, depending on the evolving needs and priorities of the Turkish government. Additionally, the assessment of an individual's eligibility for a permit may involve a complex and rigorous process, which may include interviews, medical examinations, and other forms of verification.
Application Process
The application process for obtaining a humanitarian residence permit in Turkey typically involves the following steps:
Gather Required Documentation: The first step is to gather all the required documentation to support the application, including proof of identity, evidence of international protection needs, proof of financial means, and any other relevant documents. This may include a valid passport or travel document, medical reports, police reports, and other relevant evidence.
Schedule an Appointment: The applicant must then schedule an appointment with the local migration office to submit their application. Appointments can be made through the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) website or by phone.
Submit the Application: The applicant will submit their application and all the required documentation to the migration office during the appointment. The application will be reviewed and assessed to determine eligibility for a humanitarian residence permit.
Attend an Interview: In some cases, the migration office may request an interview with the applicant to further assess their permit eligibility. The interview may be conducted in person or via video conference.
Wait for a Decision: After the application and supporting documents have been submitted and any necessary interviews have been conducted, the migration office will review the application and decide whether to grant a humanitarian residence permit. This decision can take several weeks or even months.
Pay Fees: If the application is approved, the applicant must pay a fee for the permit. The fee varies depending on the length of the permit and other factors, such as whether the applicant is a minor or an adult.
Receive the Permit: The applicant will receive their humanitarian residence permit once the fee has been paid. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as the individual meets the eligibility criteria.
It's important to note that the application process for a humanitarian residence permit in Turkey can be complex and time-consuming, and the eligibility requirements may change over time. Also, the fees that come with getting a permit can be a big financial burden for some people. As such, applicants need to seek guidance from a reputable legal or migration service provider to ensure their application is correctly prepared and submitted.
Benefits of Turkey’s Humanitarian Residence Permit
People with a humanitarian residence permit in Turkey have several important rights and benefits, such as:
Right to Live and Work in Turkey: A humanitarian residence permit allows individuals to live and work in Turkey legally for the duration of the permit's validity.
Access to Healthcare: Holders of a humanitarian residence permit are entitled to healthcare services the Turkish public healthcare system provides. This includes free emergency medical treatment and affordable access to prescription medication.
Right to Enroll Children in Schools: Children of holders of a humanitarian residence permit are entitled to enroll in Turkish public schools.
Ability to Obtain a Work Permit: Holders of a humanitarian residence permit are eligible to apply for a work permit, which allows them to work legally in Turkey.
Pathway to Turkish Citizenship: Holders of a humanitarian residence permit can apply for Turkish citizenship after residing in Turkey for a certain period of time and meeting other eligibility criteria.
Access to Social Services: Holders of a humanitarian residence permit are eligible to receive social services, including social assistance and housing assistance, from the Turkish government.
Protection from Deportation: While a humanitarian residence permit is only valid for one year and must be renewed annually, it provides temporary protection from deportation for individuals who cannot return to their home countries due to risks to their safety and security.
Refugees and others needing international protection can gain important legal protection and access to basic services in Turkey with a humanitarian residence permit. But it's important to remember that the permit doesn't lead to permanent residency or citizenship, and people who have it may still need help to fit in with Turkish society. Permit holders may still face a number of challenges and limitations.
Challenges and Limitations
Language Barriers: Many holders of a humanitarian residence permit in Turkey may struggle with language barriers, as Turkish is the country's official language. This can make it difficult for them to communicate with officials, access services, and integrate into Turkish society.
Difficulty Accessing Services: While holders of a humanitarian residence permit are entitled to access healthcare and social services provided by the Turkish government, accessing these services may be difficult due to a lack of information or language barriers. Additionally, some services may not be available in some regions of the country or may be overwhelmed due to high demand.
Social Isolation: Individuals with a humanitarian residence permit may experience social isolation due to language barriers, cultural differences, and the stigma of being a foreigner. This can make building social networks and establishing meaningful connections in their new community can make it difficult.
Limited Employment Opportunities: While holders of a humanitarian residence permit are eligible to apply for a work permit, finding employment in Turkey may be challenging due to language barriers and limited job opportunities.
Uncertainty about the Future: The validity of a humanitarian residence permit is only one year, and renewal is not guaranteed. This can lead to uncertainty about the future and make it difficult for permit holders to plan for their long-term future.
Discrimination and Stigmatization: Holders of a humanitarian residence permit may face discrimination and stigmatization from some members of Turkish society due to their status as refugees or asylum seekers.
The Turkish government, civil society groups, and the rest of the world must deal with these problems and help people with humanitarian residence permits to be safe and fit in well with Turkish society. This could mean giving classes on language and culture, making it easier to get services, and promoting social acceptance and inclusion.
Recent Developments
Turkey's policies toward refugees and asylum seekers have changed in recent years. For example, the government has said that it wants to send Syrian refugees back to safe parts of Syria.
In 2019, the Turkish government introduced a new policy allowing Syrian refugees with temporary protection status to apply for work permits in specific sectors. This policy was meant to make it easier for Syrian refugees to get formal jobs and help them fit in better economically with Turkish society.
In addition, in early 2020, the Turkish government announced that it would no longer prevent Syrian refugees from leaving the country, following a period of tension between Turkey and the European Union over the issue of migration. The move was seen as an attempt to encourage Syrian refugees to stay in Turkey rather than attempt to travel to Europe.
However, it's important to note that the situation for refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey is complex and can be subject to frequent changes. It's important to keep up with the latest news and policies to give accurate information to people seeking help.
Case Studies
Fatima
Fatima is a Syrian refugee who got a permit to stay in Turkey because of a humanitarian need in 2016. She fled Syria with her family after the conflict destroyed their house. With the help of a local NGO, Fatima applied for a humanitarian residence permit and was granted one after several months. With the permit, she could access healthcare services for her children, enroll them in school, and eventually find work as a tailor. Fatima stated that the permit gave her and her family a sense of security and stability, allowing them to rebuild their lives in Turkey.
Hassan
Hassan is an Iraqi refugee who was granted a humanitarian residence permit in Turkey in 2018. He fled Iraq due to the persecution he faced as a member of a religious minority group. With the help of an NGO, Hassan applied for a humanitarian residence permit and was granted one after several months. With the permit, he could get himself and his wife medical care and sign up for Turkish language classes. Hassan was able to support himself and his family after he got a job as a translator. He said the permit gave him a sense of security and allowed him to build a new life in Turkey.
These case studies highlight the importance of the humanitarian residence permit in providing legal protection and access to essential services for individuals in need of international protection. The permit can allow refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild their lives in Turkey, access education and healthcare services, and eventually find work to support themselves and their families.