Migration is the movement of people from one place to the other.

The recent involuntary displacement of Syrian migrants from Istanbul is causing significant challenges for thousands of Syrians. Istanbul once housed a large population of migrants, with the largest registered number of Syrians in Turkey, reaching 548,000 out of the total 3.6 million. However, it’s estimated that the actual number of Syrians in Istanbul may be closer to one million, according to Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Sinem Koseoglu.

Turkey has granted Syrians “temporary protection” instead of full refugee status, providing only partial legal safeguarding. Some Syrians still reside in border cities primarily for economic reasons, while others have moved to Istanbul with hopes of improving their lives.

The government, in what appears to be an attempt to manage population growth, is now categorizing Syrians in Istanbul as “unregistered” and requiring them to leave the city. Fortunately, the Turkish Minister of the Interior, Süleyman Soylu, has extended the deadline to October 20th. However, returning to their country remains a significant concern for many Syrians.

Most of them are hesitant to return to cities where they were previously registered in Turkey. This reluctance stems from the fact that many have established businesses or jobs, with some operating in the informal “black market” to avoid national social security registration, as reported by the Financial Times. This situation is particularly notable in cities like Ankara and Bursa.

What are the consequences of this forceful migration?

The consequences of this expulsion are grave as “Rami,” a Syrian shop owner, told Al Jazeera. “It harms the businesses here, not only for Syrians but for Turks, as well. Most of the employed Syrians have gone. Some Syrians shut down their businesses because they had to leave.”

The government exempted 2,600 Syrians. These were students studying in Istanbul along with their families. Owners of active businesses, orphans, taxpayers, or employees registered under the Social Security Institution (SGK) remain in the city. Depending on certain conditions, the exemption also includes some split families. Equally, Syrians with serious health conditions who needed treatment in Istanbul could stay, Al Jazeera reports.

Unfortunately, authorities insist that the remaining Syrians must return or anticipate deportation. The main cause for this attack on migrants is the decisions of the defeated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This is the Justice and Development (AK) Party in the Istanbul mayoral elections earlier this year. They claim a large number of refugees in the city had hurt the ruling party’s popularity.

What is the real reason for the repatriation/migration?

Could racism be another huge reason? “When I crossed the border and saw the Turkish flag behind me, I realized I hated it because this is a racist country,” said one Syrian. He was deported but smuggled himself back to Istanbul. Another, whom we spoke to in Syria, said Turks saw Syrians “like insects sucking their blood,” BBC added.

Strangely, some Syrians told the BBC, many were deported to Idlib, inside Syria, where fighting is escalating. Mark Lowen, BBC’s Istanbul Correspondent, out-cried the international humanitarian law principle of “non-refoulement”. This law prohibits deporting migrants to a war zone.

On the contrary, the Turkish government insists Syrians returning home are going voluntarily. They claim they are going to areas secured by the Turkish army.  Sadly, Turkey reported on Monday that a Syrian airstrike attacked a Turkish convoy, killing three civilians and leaving 12 injured. Is Syria safe for repatriation?

Recommendation

The sudden relocation has caused unsatisfactorily feelings for expelled migrants since the government began the crackdown several weeks ago. Turkey is hosting the highest number of refugees in the world. However, this forceful repatriation of Syrians back to Syria is unacceptable.

Also, sending some back to other cities within Turkey could be with consideration of their livelihood. This migration is not voluntary and supportive to struggling migrants. A time frame of 7 to 10 months would have been more appropriate.

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