The formal employment of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey is important in terms of their access to social security rights and their contribution to public finances. In addition, preventing informal work and preventing unfair competition between businesses is also an important benefit of formal employment. In the past 10 years, a great humanitarian mission has been realised with Türkiye's embrace of 3.7 million Syrians under temporary protection fleeing the war and conflicts in Syria. During this period, 670 labour inspectors, social security auditors and 30 social security experts have received training on the formal employment of Syrians in cooperation with the ILO, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Guidance and Inspection Board, the General Directorate of International Labour Force and the Social Security Institution. These training covered migration and work permits of foreigners, social security rights and other issues. According to the study results, the importance of formalisation of Syrians under temporary protection was emphasised and recommendations were made by the inspectors and experts. This study is an important source on the position of Syrians under temporary protection in the Turkish labour market.

This report was prepared under the “Project on Promoting Resilience and Social Cohesion through Decent Livelihood Opportunities” financed by the government of the United States of America.