Overview

The total population of Turkish people living abroad exceeds 7.5 million people, around 6 million of which live in Western European countries. Taking into account the fact that 3 million of our people have previously returned to Türkiye, there is a comprehensive migration phenomenon involving a population of approximately 10.5 million people.

Meeting the needs and bringing solutions to the problems of our citizens in this category, which represent an essential dimension of our relations with Western European countries, is among priorities of Turkish foreign policy.

Integration and Active Participation

It is an established fact that our citizens abroad contribute to the cultural diversity and welfare of the societies they live in while taking steps for stronger integration and participation.

Integration and participation are two-way processes which involve not only the responsibilities of the migrant populations but also require host countries to devise policies that encourage and embrace participation.

Turks abroad are encouraged to participate actively in the social, economic, cultural and political life of their countries of residence as prosperous, successful and law abiding individuals while maintaining ties to their mother tongue and culture.

Xenophobia, Discrimination, Racism and Islamophobia

Xenophobia, discrimination and racism — which have gained a new dimension on the basis of religion and especially Islamophobia — have recently been on the rise. The Turkish community living in Western Europe constitute a significant portion of the Muslim population in their respective countries and is directly affected by this negative trend.

In recent years, there has been an increase in xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia-motivated attacks against our citizens, especially those living in Western European countries. The cases reported to our diplomatic missions by our citizens are recorded and closely monitored by the Ministry.

Türkiye emphasizes the importance of the fight against rising xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia on every bilateral and multilateral platform and plays a leading role in international initiatives, especially at the UN level.

Education and Turkish Mother Tongue Courses

For an active participation, ensuring equal opportunities and providing Turkish children education in mother tongue, culture and history is of crucial importance.

In this context, opportunities for Turkish mother tongue lessons in relevant countries is being closely monitored. Well educated Turkish citizens, fully proficient in both Turkish and in the language of their country of residence will surely contribute to our bilateral relations with relevant countries without losing their identities in the globalizing world.

For this purpose, Turkish mother tongue and Turkish culture teachers are posted abroad to provide education in schools in the countries where our citizens reside within the framework of cooperation with the relevant country authorities.

Religious Services

Religious officers are assigned by the Presidency of Religious Affairs to provide religious services to the Turkish community and help them perform their religious duties.

Unemployment

The unemployment rate of our citizens is above the national average in their countries of residence. They are advised on the importance of both higher education and vocational training and our relevant missions are working in cooperation with local authorities to raise awareness of our citizens on this issue.