The economic and political faces of migration

Migration is an inseparable part of human history; however, in the modern world, this mobility has been placed at the center of economic and political dynamics. As both a transit and a destination country, Turkey is one of the places that feels this global issue most acutely. Meanwhile, across the world, migration continues to seek a balance between economic opportunities and political crises.

ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE: THE COST AND CONTRIBUTION OF MIGRATION

In Turkey, it is stated that while immigrants or refugees increase informality in the labor market and lead to social tensions, they also provide growth in sectors reliant on low-cost labor. Although the fact that the majority of immigrants are of working age (74%) appears to be an economic advantage, this labor does not contribute to the tax system because it is mostly informal.

On one hand, in countries like Turkey, refugees and immigrants are stigmatized with the claim that they are a “burden” on the economy, while on the other hand, it is said that these individuals keep the wheels turning in many sectors by working for low wages. For example, it is noted that Syrians in Turkey are among the primary providers of labor in a wide range of fields, from agriculture to textiles. However, this situation fuels the informal economy and increases concerns among the local population regarding labor competition. Worse still, the financial aid provided to Turkey by international financial institutions and Western countries often turns into a tool for political interests rather than improving the living conditions of immigrants. While the funds promised to Turkey remain limited to pledges, this money is often transferred to state control mechanisms rather than to the refugees themselves.

On an international scale, immigrants support the economies of many developing countries through the remittances they send home. According to the World Bank, the 620 billion dollars sent by migrant workers as of 2020 constitute a significant portion of the national income in countries like Nepal.

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE: THE INSTRUMENTALIZATION OF MIGRATION

Immigrants are at the center of not only economic but also political bargaining. Thanks to the readmission agreements it has made with the European Union, Turkey has gained an international political trump card through immigrants. However, such agreements generally prioritize political interests rather than improving the humanitarian conditions of immigrants.

Immigrants are becoming both victims and fodder for political crises. While anti-immigrant rhetoric in Europe paves the way for the rise of the far-right, refugees in Turkey become a subject of political bargaining. Practices such as the “readmission agreement” that the European Union made with Turkey reveal that immigrants are viewed merely as people who should be kept outside European borders. In Turkey, refugee policies lack transparency and are often structured around satisfying the voter base.

The pandemic has also increased anti-immigrant sentiment. Immigrants have been stigmatized on the grounds that they spread the virus and have been subjected to discrimination in accessing healthcare services in many countries. However, in our country, they have become a privileged group regarding healthcare. Furthermore, it is a fact that immigrant communities, which are already fragile, have disrupted the political and socio-economic structures of the countries they have arrived in.

SEARCHING FOR SOLUTIONS: BORDERS AND HUMANITY

Solving the migration issue is not possible solely by closing borders or through short-term financial aid. Long-term and inclusive policies that consider both immigrants and host communities must be developed. Especially in countries like Turkey, the integration of refugees into the labor market and social cohesion projects are of vital importance; they should be sent back to their countries without spending much more effort and money. International cooperation should treat migration not just as a “problem to be controlled,” but as an “opportunity to be managed.”

Migration is not a crisis, but the ongoing story of humanity. However, writing this story more fairly requires taking responsibility at both the economic and political levels. It should not be forgotten that touching the lives of immigrants is not just serving a society beyond the borders, but serving all of humanity.