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.