On this page, you will find:
To find organisations working for LGBTQI+ rights, visit our Türkiye LGBTQI+ Resources page.
For Türkiye Country of Origin Information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents, visit our Türkiye COI page.
Refugee protection
Click here to see the numbers and origins of refugees hosted by Türkiye.
The following sections contain information on the most important international treaties and agreements of which Türkiye is signatory, as well as national legislation relevant to the protection of refugees.
The primary legislation that governs the whole asylum procedure in Liechtenstein, including that of detention and temporary protection for refugees, is governed under the Asylum Act 2012. The Asylum Ordinance also supplements the 2012 Act on the asylum procedure in Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein also follows Swiss asylum law.
In its latest Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submission in 2023, UNHCR raised potential concerns that the 2012 Act could result in a restrictive application contrary to the 1951 Convention.
Whilst a party to the Conventions on stateless persons, Liechtenstein does not have a specific procedure for the recognition of stateless people.
The government, or a representative of the government, makes the final decision on whether asylum should be granted which is based on the merits of the asylum claim (Article 5 of the 2012 Act). As such, Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is the responsibility of the Liechtenstein government’s Immigration and Passport Office, also known as the Foreigners and Passport Office (APA).UNHCR does not have a formal role in this procedure and usually does not get involved in individual requests, but you can consult their overview page for information here.
Since March 2022, Ukrainian refugees can apply for temporary protection under the Asylum Act 2012, which makes clear that the government determines what criteria is applied to decide to grant temporary protection (Article 43 of the 2012 Act). Factors for granting temporary admission include the situation in the country of origin and possible integration in Liechtenstein (Article 27 of Asylum Ordinance). The Immigration and Passport Office is makes the decision to grant temporary protection (Article 46(1) of the 2012 Act). Ukraine refugees can apply for temporary protection by contacting the Immigration and Passport Office (see list of organisations below for contact information).
As of 10 September 2018, UNHCR withdrew from all registration, referral, and refugee status determination processes in Türkiye. Since 2018, the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) (formerly, Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM)) has been the sole responsible body for processing all asylum procedures in Türkiye.
The Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu’nun Uygulanmasına dair Yönetmelik) states that international protection applications should be made in person to a Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü). Directorates initiate and undertake the registration and further processing of international protection applications (art. 65). Protection applications can also be made at borders and to law enforcement units. These applications will be immediately referred to a Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
In April 2013, Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (6458 Sayılı Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu) set out the main pillars of Türkiye’s asylum system. Under this legislation, foreigners and others with international protection will not be sent back to countries where they will suffer inhuman treatment, punishment, or persecution on the basis of race, religion, or group membership. The international protection system in Türkiye is laid down in detail in the third section of the aforementioned legislation and there are four different types of protection statuses that can be granted to applicants in Türkiye.
1) Refugee status
According to Article 61 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, a refugee is a person who as a result of events occurring in European countries and owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his citizenship and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it, shall be granted refugee status upon completion of the refugee status determination process.
It should be noted that the geographical restriction on the 1951 Convention is reiterated in the national legislation. Accordingly, Article 3(b) of the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection states that “European countries” refer to member countries of the European Council and other countries that may be designated by the Council of Ministers.
2) Conditional refugee status
Conditional refugee status is a concept unique to Turkish law due to Türkiye’s geographical restriction on the 1951 Convention. Conditional refugee status was introduced for the purpose of differentiating between convention refugees originating from non-European countries and those originating from European countries.
Article 62 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection sets forth that a conditional refugee is a person who as a result of events occurring outside European countries and owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it, shall be granted conditional refugee status upon completion of the refugee status determination process.
Conditional refugees are allowed to reside in Türkiye temporarily until they are resettled to a third country.
3) Subsidiary protection status
According to Article 63 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, a foreigner or a stateless person, who neither could be qualified as a refugee nor as a conditional refugee, shall nevertheless be granted subsidiary protection upon the status determination because if returned to the country of origin or country of [former] habitual residence would
a) be sentenced to death or face the execution of the death penalty;
b) face torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
c) face serious threat to himself or herself by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or nationwide armed conflict;
and therefore is unable or for the reason of such threat is unwilling, to avail himself or herself of the protection of his country of origin or country of [former] habitual residence.
The subsidiary protection status in Türkiye is analogous to the subsidiary protection definition provided by the EU Qualification Directive (art.15).
4) Temporary Protection status
In Article 91 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection; the grounds for granting temporary protection are laid down as the following:
Temporary protection may be provided for foreigners who have been forced to leave their country, cannot return to the country that they have left, and have arrived at or crossed the borders of Türkiye in a mass influx situation seeking immediate and temporary protection
The Temporary Protection Regulation (Geçici Koruma Yönetmeliği) was adopted on 22 October 2014, and further details the rights and obligations of individuals under temporary protection in Türkiye, as well as the procedures for granting temporary protection.
For more information regarding the national legal framework in Türkiye, please consult the following sources:
– Law no. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (6458 Sayılı Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu) in Turkish, Persian, and Arabic.
– Website of the Presidency of Migration Management
– UNHCR Türkiye Help Page
– AIDA Country Report on Türkiye
Legal aid organisations
Address: Birlik Mahallesi 406. Sokak Kardelen Apt. No:2 Çankaya
Tel: 0312 212 60 12
Email: sgdd@sgdd-asam.org
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM / Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (SGDD-ASAM) provides comprehensive support and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in Turkey. Their services include:
Legal Assistance: Legal counseling and guidance for asylum procedures and protection rights.
Psychosocial Support: Mental health services, counseling, and support for vulnerable individuals.
Education and Training: Access to educational programs, vocational training, and language courses.
Health Services: Access to healthcare services and referrals for medical assistance.
Social Support: Distribution of essential items, shelter assistance, and emergency aid.
Community Centers: Safe spaces offering various programs for integration and empowerment.
Child Protection: Specialized services for children, including educational activities and psychological support.
Address: Uğur Mahallesi 848 Sokak No:16 Konak İzmir
Tel: 02324835421 / 05494835421 / 05494835422
Email: info@mhd.org.tr
Mülteci-Der is a non-governmental organization based in Izmir, Turkey, established in 2008. It provides legal support to refugees and asylum seekers, including those in detention centers, to ensure their access to legal procedures and protection from deportation. The organization also conducts awareness-raising sessions to inform refugees about their rights and available services. Additionally, Mülteci-Der advocates for policy changes to improve asylum and migration practices in line with international human rights standards and offers training for lawyers and civil society workers on refugee law.
Email: info@mhd.org.tr
Address: Barbaros Mahallesi, Başkan Sokak No.14 Üsküdar, İstanbul
Tel:+90 850 218 48 30
The Refugee Rights Association (Mülteci Hakları Derneği) provides comprehensive legal and social support to refugees and asylum seekers. They offer legal consultations to help individuals navigate the asylum process and ensure their rights are protected. The organization also provides social services, including guidance and referrals to other necessary resources. In addition, they run awareness campaigns to highlight the challenges faced by refugees and to educate the public on refugee rights. The association is also active in advocacy, working to influence policies and improve legal protections for refugees in Turkey.
Address: Oğuzlar Mahallesi Barış Manço Caddesi Av. Özdemir Özok Sokağı No:8 06520 Balgat – ANKARA
Tel: +90 312 292 59 00
Email: barobirlik@barobirlik.org.tr
The Union of Turkish Bar Associations (UTBA) provides free legal aid to refugees and asylum seekers through its member bar associations. They offer legal representation, counseling, and support in asylum, deportation, and detention cases. Refugees can request assistance by contacting the nearest bar association, which assigns a lawyer specialized in refugee law.
Organisations providing other support to refugees
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Address: Osmanağa Mahallesi, Çuhadarağa Sokak, Galerium İş Merkezi, No:23/40, Kat:1 Kadıköy / İSTANBUL 34714
Tel & WhatsApp: (+90) 850 840 2337
Email: iletisim@ateizmdernegi.org.tr / arap@ateizmdernegi.org.tr
Contact Person: Emir Onur Romano Cilek
S.O.S. Message Center (Persian/Arabic): (+90) 216 550 9063
Atheist Refugees Assistance Programme (ARAP) is an initiative under the Ateizm Derneği in Türkiye that supports atheist refugees facing persecution or discrimination. The programme offers the following services:
Temporary Safehouse Accommodation:
Refugees are provided with secure housing for up to 120 days in a safehouse that accommodates up to 15 individuals. This service aims to offer stability and safety while refugees transition to long-term solutions.Legal Support:
Assistance with legal matters related to asylum applications, residency permits, or other refugee-related issues.Psychological and Social Support:
Counselling services to help refugees cope with trauma, stress, and the challenges of displacement.Advocacy and Rights Protection:
The organisation actively advocates for the rights and freedoms of atheist refugees to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.Integration Guidance:
Practical advice and resources to support refugees in areas such as education, employment, and community integration.Community Building:
Creation of a supportive network where refugees can connect with others who share similar experiences.
CARE Türkiye is responding to the refugee crisis with cash assistance, hygiene promotion, dignity kits for women and the elderly, and by establishing community groups that address protection issues, including psychosocial needs, early marriage, and gender-based violence.
However, significant gaps between needs and response persist. Our programming in Türkiye focuses on protection, basic needs, and economic empowerment for refugees, especially women and girls.
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Address: Gumussuyu Mah. A Ciragi Sk. N7 Daire 3, Beyoğlu – İstanbul
Tel: +90 212 292 68 42 – 43
Fax: +90 0 212 292 68 44
Email: iletisim@hyd.org.tr
Contact Person: Tuba Dokur (tuba@hyd.org.tr) / Fatma Melek Taylan (meletaylan@gmail.com)
The Citizens’ Assembly is an NGO based in Istanbul that promotes fundamental rights and liberties, as well as democracy and pluralism. Although it does not directly provide legal aid to refugees, it collaborates with Bar Associations and lawyers throughout Turkey. The Citizens’ Assembly is a member of the advisory committee on the SILA project, and Urfa Bar Association Refugee Commission. The Citizens’ Assembly provides psychosocial and primary healthcare to Syrian refugees living in Kilis, Turkey and advocates for legislation and policies in line with international standards, as well as monitors state policies and practices in irregular migration control.
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Address: Tomtom Mahallesi Yeniçarşı Caddesi No:34 Beyoğlu 34425 İstanbul
Tel (Consulting): +90 212 293 16 05
Ağrı
Address: Leylek Pınar Mah. 1704. Sok. No: 10/13 Ağrı
Tel: 0541 579 94 04Ankara
Address: Atatürk Bulvarı No: 219/4 Kavaklıdere Çankaya-Ankara
Tel: 0312 428 3011Bilecik
Address: İstiklal Mah. Ali Rıza Özkay Cad. Belediye Sok. No: 24-26 Daire: 2-3-4 Merkez-Bilecik
Tel: 0228 212 1164Eskişehir
Address: Hoşnudiye Mah. İsmet İnönü-1 Cad. No: 45/2 Tepebaşı-Eskişehir
Tel: 0222 234 6442İstanbul Beyoğlu
Address: Asmalı Mescit Mah. Asmalı Mescit Cad. Nil Han No: 16/10-11 Beyoğlu-İstanbul
Tel: 0212 254 17 76Kütahya
Address: Saray Mah. Kızılelma Sok. No: 68/4 A Blok Merkez-Kütahya
Tel: 0274 223 2627Van
Address: Halilağa Mah. Kazım Karabekir Cad. Ezar Plaza İş Merkezi No: 123 Kat: 3 Daire 38 İpekyolu-Van
Tel: 0432 216 0534İstanbul Esenler
Address: Kazım Karabekir Mah. 1001. Sok. No: 2 Esenler-İstanbul
Tel: 0212 562 50 62
Email: ikgv@ikgv.org
The Human Resources Development Foundation (İKGV) is a non-profit organisation based in Turkey, committed to supporting vulnerable populations, including refugees, migrants, and local communities, particularly in times of crisis. The foundation works in collaboration with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and other humanitarian entities to provide comprehensive support services.
Key areas of work:
Legal Assistance: The organisation offers legal support to refugees, migrants, and displaced individuals, helping them navigate asylum procedures and understand their rights under Turkish and international law.
Psychosocial Support: İKGV provides vital mental health services, including counselling and psychosocial assistance, to help individuals cope with the trauma caused by displacement, conflict, and other hardships.
Material Assistance: The foundation distributes essential items such as food, clothing, and hygiene kits to those in need, particularly in the wake of emergencies or ongoing displacement situations.
Community Support and Capacity Building: İKGV works on strengthening local communities by providing training, resources, and guidance to build their resilience and better respond to social challenges and emergencies.
Refugee and Migrant Assistance: The foundation offers tailored support to refugees, with a particular focus on those affected by the Syrian conflict, including integration programmes, educational support, and healthcare services.
İKGV operates across multiple provinces in Turkey, including Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir, Kütahya, Van, and Ağrı, with its primary office located in Istanbul. The organisation’s services focus on empowering individuals and communities through legal advocacy, psychological support, and direct humanitarian assistance, ensuring that refugees and other vulnerable groups have access to their fundamental rights and a better quality of life.
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Address: Güniz Sokak 38/8 06700 Kavaklıdere/Ankara -TURKEY
Tel: 0090 312 428 06 10-11
Fax: 0090 312 428 06 13
Email: posta@rightsagenda.org
The HRAA, an independent national NGO, was founded in 2002 in İzmir. It currently has three offices in Ankara, İzmir, and Diyarbakir. In addition to monitoring human rights status activities in both Turkey and neighboring countries, the HRAA works to promote awareness of rights under international and European law. HRAA carries out research and professional workshops to promote the analysis and development of a common understanding of European asylum law, cooperation among domestic and international NGOs, and to improve living conditions of migrants.
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Contact Person: Barış Karacasu / Günizi Satar
Email: baris@ihd.org.tr / hukuk@ihd.org.tr
IHD was founded in 1986 following the military coup d’état of September 1980. The association was created by the relatives of prisoners, intellectuals, writers, journalists, doctors, lawyers, and a variety of other human rights defenders. Today IHD continues its work to protect the right to life, abolish capital punishment, prevent executions, and find forcibly displaced persons. IHD publishes reports, press releases, and investigates complaints regarding a number of human rights violations including explosive ordinance, freedom of expression, violence against women and children, and forced disappearances. You can access the complaint form here.
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Address: Gaziosmanpaşa Mahallesi, Nenehatun Caddesi, Şairler Sokak No:7/2- Çankaya/ANKARA
Tel: (0312) 436 74 78
Email: igam@igamder.org
The International Group for the Assistance of Migrants (IGAM) provides legal, social, and psychological support to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. They focus on protecting human rights, particularly through advocacy, legal aid, and empowerment programs. IGAM also works on integration efforts for refugees in Turkey, promoting awareness and social inclusion.
Website
Address: Tavsanli Apt. Kat 4 No 11 / Diyarbakir / Turkey
Tel: +90 41 22 24 44 77
Fax: +90 41 22 28 88 80
Email: sohram@hotmail.com
SOHRAM-CASA, in Diyarbakir, works with survivors of violence and torture. Its website navigates fully in Turkish and the organisation offers therapy and medical assistance to those impacted by violence and torture. They will also assist in the preparation of legal reports and consultations for survivors. SOHRAM-CASA also carries out research and educative programmes.
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Address: Ali Kuşçu Mah. Fatih Türbesi Sokak No: 31 Daire: 2 , İstanbul / TÜRKİYE
Tel (Consulting): 444 2 157
Fax: +90(212) 531 20 26
Email: info@umhd.org.tr
The International Refugee Rights Association (UMHD) is dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of refugees. The organisation:
Provides legal support to refugees, assisting them in navigating legal systems and securing their rights in various countries. This includes offering advice, representation, and helping refugees understand their legal entitlements and obligations.
Collaborates with international organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other human rights groups to advocate for refugee rights and develop policies that protect displaced individuals.
Conducts research and studies on the issues faced by refugees, examining the legal, social, and economic challenges they encounter. This research helps to inform policy recommendations and actions.
Regularly visits refugee camps to address the legal needs of refugees, providing on-the-ground support by offering advice, resources, and addressing legal concerns.
Actively works to raise awareness about violations against refugees, such as forced displacement, human rights abuses, and the need for international protection. Through campaigns, events, and publications, they highlight these issues.
Assists refugees with applications for asylum and relocation to other countries, including helping with paperwork, preparing legal cases, and guiding individuals through the application process.
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Address: Enis Behic Koryurek Sokak, No: 15, Aziziye Mahallesi, Cankaya Ankara, 06690 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel (Consulting): 4444868
Phone: +90 (312) 4097300
Fax: +90 (312) 4412173
Email: turan@unhcr.org
UNHCR provides essential support to refugees and displaced persons in Turkey. Their services include:
Legal Protection: Assisting with legal documents, residency permits, and ensuring refugees are not forcibly returned to unsafe situations.
Durable Solutions: Supporting resettlement to third countries, facilitating voluntary repatriation, and promoting local integration.
Humanitarian Aid: Providing food, shelter, healthcare, and education, along with financial and material assistance.
Protection Against Violence: Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and offering support for vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied children.
Psychosocial Support: Offering psychological counselling and social services for those affected by trauma.
Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness and collaborating with governments and organizations to support refugees’ rights and needs.
Through these efforts, UNHCR aims to protect refugees in Turkey, improve their living conditions, and help them rebuild their lives.
Türkiye LGBTQI+ Resources
Find organisations working for refugee LGBTQI+ rights in Türkiye.
Türkiye COI
Find Türkiye Country of Origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents.
We are always looking to expand the resources on our platform. If you know about relevant resources, or you are aware of organisations and/or individuals to include in our directories, please get in touch.
Last updated March 2025
