Foreigners' access to employment in the framework of social cohesion was discussed for the first time at a comprehensive conference of all sectors. The most important outcome of the conference organized by IGAM, entitled "Social Harmonization of Foreigners through Employment“ was as follows: “Employment is the most important factor for integration, but vocational training needs to be organized according to the needs of the sectors. In this case, as it will reduce the employment problem, it will contribute to Turkey's economy. "
Organized in partnership with the Qudra Program and supported by the Durable Solutions Platform; Conference on Opportunities and Solutions for “Employment of Foreigners within the Framework of Social Cohesion” was held on 27-28 June 2019 in Ankara. Each respective segment's representative from public and private sectors, from education to employment, from entrepreneurship, social cooperatives and so many topics discussed in the conference.
“The status of foreigners should be analysed well”
In his opening speech, IGAM Chairman Metin Çoratabır stated with that such a comprehensive meeting was held for the first time on the participation of refugees in employment and that such a conference was of special importance during the adaptation period. Turkey is providing protection to 3.6 million Syrian citizens, while 400 thousand people from other countries is conditional refugees and international protection of people who have filed an application, stressed the need to be analysed the status of foreigners in Turkey.
Ankara Provincial Immigration Administration Directorate of Integration and Migration Commission President Ali Riza Beşkat, according to recent data, number of foreigners in Turkey has reached 4.8 million, stating that 1 million foreigners have a residence permit, "we care to live in peace. 4.8 million are all people! We aim to manage this migration better and reach more solid foundations”.
"Turkey, is the country hosts most refugees in the World"
UNHCR (UN High Commissioner for Refugees) Deputy Representative in Turkey Jean-Marie Garelli, Syria, fleeing the violence that continued the attack stated that create a huge wave of migration, "Turkey is the country that hosts the most refugees. I would like to thank the Turkish state and Turkish citizens for their generosity. Refugees must participate in life in their origin countries. At this point, we should not forget the contribution of refugees to the countries they come from.”
"Turkey's rationality are exemplary in this respect"
OFFENBACH Municipality Representative Matthias Schulze-Böing is recalling a new approach to refugees in Germany, "Turkey's generosity on refugees, rationality and pragmatism, in fact, are exemplary in Germany. Products need to be renewed in terms of integration. Language training, apprenticeship and on-the-job training at the same time and the refugees' cooperation with their own organization is very important," he said.
Establish audit and coordination mechanisms
In the conference, the findings of the speakers in the panels and the suggestions of solutions for the roundtables were listed as follows:
- Turkey is becoming a country that determines norms and standards on immigration.
- For a period most Syrians would remain in Turkey and we the need to find solutions accordingly.
- Education is the most important element in the absence of missing generations.
- Most refugees do not speak Turkish fluently, which prevents them from socializing, finding jobs and starting a business.
- İŞKUR, in cooperation with TÖMER, will provide language training to 4,000 people.
- For employment, it must be taught in technical terms in language education.
- Compliance takes place entirely locally. The right to work is a very important tool for integration.
- 470 thousand people in Turkey have an open labour market, they want to do but cannot find people working in industrial production. The biggest employment deficit in the textile sector.
- Paving the way for immigrants to participate in politics.
- The issue of equivalence is very important in the legislation. Qualified refugees cannot find jobs.
- Refugees do not want to work most of the time so that help is not interrupted.
- Production-based, employment-oriented works are required.
- There is a decrease in the enrolment rate of Syrians. The reason for this is child labour
- Hate speech towards working and socially assured Syrians more…
- There is a reiteration of the benefits. Inspection and coordination mechanisms should be established.
- With sector analyses, foreigners should be placed in the sectors in which they are needed. Sectors with employment shortages need to be identified.
- Vocational training modules should be determined according to professional needs.
- Child care units should be expanded for women's labour force participation.
You can check the video record of the conference in here (Not all panels are avabile for English)
