Conclusions and recommendations

During the last two decades, Turkey has been confronted with large-scale irregular migration movements, usually from the Middle East, which use the country as a transit zone on their way to western and northern European countries. The route through Turkey serves as a natural link between the Middle East and Europe and migrants use it as a bridge to a life offering better economic and social conditions. Hence, Turkish borders are crossed daily by hundreds of irregular migrants. Well over 90,000 irregular migrants were apprehended in 2001, only a little less than in 2000, but close to double the number in 1999.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions