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.

Allow Refugees to Work Says UN, as Turkey Prepares to Host 2.5m refugees

UN top officials declares that allowing refugees to access the legal labour market is a good practice to be duplicated in a Newsweek article dating 28/04/2015 :

Allowing refugees to enter the workforce helps to relieve the humanitarian burden in host countries and is "best practice" according to a top UN official, who is warning that Turkey needs help from the international community to deal with "an unprecedented" number of refugees. Many refugees will enter the labour market, both legally and illegally warns Clark, but if they enter it illegally they are in danger of being exploited. "In the case of access to the labour market, this is most definitely a best practice," she adds.

Helen Clark, the administrator of the UN Development Program (UNDP) says countries bearing the brunt of the refugee crisis caused by the ongoing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Libya, need more support. She points out that legislation proposed by the Turkish government, which will allow refugees to enter certain sectors of the labour market if passed, is a positive move, and one that other countries should consider also adopting.