Abstract:

The 21st century is witnessing mass migration dynamics characterized by displacement and forced migration due to global conflicts; economic inequalities, environmental challenges, and the search for better living conditions triggering mass human movements. Due to these transformative changes, Türkiye, with migration mobility, has now become an important transit and destination point for numerous mass migrations. This study examines the changes in Türkiye’s migration policy affected by international political, economic, and social conditions and being a party to various international migration agreements and treaties. The evolving migration policy since the early republican period is discussed with brief references to population exchanges; the precarization of refugees/migrants/asylum-seekers/those with temporary protection status in the country is highlighted, and attention is drawn to what needs to be done within the framework of international cooperation. In this context, irregular migration to Türkiye following the Syrian crisis will be the focal point, the impact of Türkiye-European Union relations on migration policies will be evaluated; furthermore, the need for a comprehensive migration policy will be emphasized. The contribution of Türkiye’s to the development of an international refugee regime that is migrant-oriented and based on international responsibility sharing for refugees will be evaluated.

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