Syrian Refugees and the Right to Work: Developing Temporary Protection in Turkey

In the article "Syrian Refugees and the Right to Work: Developing Temporary Protection in Turkey," published in the Boston University International Law Journal, Sarah Bidinger analyzes the Turkish legal framework relevant for granting the right to work to Syrian refugees, at a time when the Turkish government envisage this measure (see our previous article for detailed information on the modalities).  

Sarah Bidinger argues that 'Turkey must develop creative means to address the livelihood issues that Syrian refugees face while waiting to return home. The most positive and efficient method to address these issues involves promulgating regulations within Turkey’s temporary protection scheme to give Syrian refugees the legal right to work. 

The legal frameworks for regulating foreign workers already exist within Turkish laws on Foreigners and International Protection and Work Permits of Foreigners.

Turkey has already recognized the right to work as a human right worth protecting, as evidenced by its commitment to the UDHR and its ratification of the ICESCR.

Finally, amending temporary protection to provide Syrians with the right to work may bring economic benefits alongside the potential to increase regional security once the conflict in Syria comes to a close. This “strategy is philosophically coherent, morally defensible, politically saleable, and responsive to the needs of” the Syrian people in Turkey.'