Promoting economic prospects for refugees and the host community

Context

In recent years, the war in Syria has led to over 3.2 million people fleeing to Türkiye. The hosting of these refugees, combined with high inflation and currency depreciation, has exacerbated the socio-economic problems in Türkiye – especially in the south-eastern region. The earthquakes of February 2023 have made the situation even more difficult. Income opportunities are limited, and unemployment is rising. There is also enormous poverty, and economic growth has slowed. This is placing an additional burden on social protection systems.

Objective

Employment prospects for refugees and members of the host community are improved.

Approach

The project is working to improve employment opportunities for Syrian refugees and members of the host community in Türkiye. To achieve this, employers and employees have been integrated into the measures. The project strives to include particularly vulnerable groups and focuses on improving vocational training and developing skills. This includes providing language courses, job training, and internships, among other activities.

To promote formal employment, the project’s activities include providing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with advisory services and access to finance. It also encourages enterprises and business owners that are not registered with the state to register their companies and build capacity in areas such as digitalisation. The project is committed to facilitating socially sound, low-carbon and long-term private-sector development.

Social cohesion and gender equality are an integral part of all project activities. The project also works with a wide range of stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, non-governmental organisations, academics, chambers, municipalities, and business associations through joint initiatives, partnerships, development projects, and the sharing of best practices.

The project operates within the frameworks of Partnership for Prospects Initiative (BONO) and Special Initiative for Displaced Persons and Host Countries (SI GA) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Last update: February 2024