Turkey – Migration profile and migration policy developments , Date: 2013.08.26, Order number: FFWP54, format: Working paper, area: Authority

Cover: Working Paper 54

Working Paper 54 uses statistical data and academic reference material to document the migration traditions as well as developments in the migration system between Turkey and the EU.

The study analyses the EU's migration policy goals vis-à-vis Turkey and the consequences of the process of approximation in terms of migration policy. Furthermore, it explores the question of the potential for migration, in caseof Turkey joining the EU.

The role played and the attitude taken by Turkey in this migration system are presented in detail in order to help reach a better understanding of Turkey’s political actions and to underline its significance for migration processes into the EU.

Major results:

  • Turkey is a major destination country for refugees and asylum seekers, coming for instance from Iraq and Afghanistan. The country also offered protection to more than 150,000 Syrian refugees in 2012. The UNHCR anticipates that there will be almost 600,000 Syrians in Turkey who are in need of protection by the end of 2013.
  • The negotiations on visa requirements are a cloud on the horizon in relations between Turkey and Europe when it comes to the negotiations on accession. One problem is that Turkey has visa agreements with a number of third countries which are on the EU’s negative list.
  • Turkey considers the high cost of adjustment and reform, the risk of losing regional influence, as well as a lack of incentive structures, to be the core obstacles to further acceptance of the EU’s acquis communautaire (the body of existing Community legislation and practice).
  • Should Turkey join the EU, there is no current expectation of “mass immigration” to the EU 28. In fact, once barriers to the freedom of movement have been removed, one should rather anticipate temporary forms of mobility instead of permanent migration.
  • Against the background of established migration systems, as well as in light of both demographic aspects and those relevant to the labour market, immigration from Turkey should be seen as an opportunity for Germany and the EU.

The study was drawn up by: Marianne Haase and Johannes Obergfell

This publication is only available in German language.

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