DMM issues statement on 'circular for Syrians to stay in Turkey' claims

The Presidency of Migration Management and the Center for Combating Disinformation have denied reports titled "Circular for Syrians to Stay in Turkey." In a written statement issued by the Presidency of Migration Management, it was stated, "The claims circulated by some news websites and social media accounts regarding the departure of foreigners under temporary protection in our country to third countries, under the title 'Circular for Syrians to Stay in Turkey,' absolutely do not reflect the truth."

The statement noted that the Presidency of Migration Management's letter aims to ensure that procedures are carried out in accordance with legislation, stating, "With our Presidency's letter, it is intended to complete the administrative procedures arising from the relevant legislation regarding foreigners in our country under international and temporary protection, to terminate the statuses of those leaving our country and collect their identity documents, and to keep records and statistics complete and up-to-date.

As can be understood from the statement, our Presidency's letter dated 01.11.2023 is not intended to prevent or restrict the departure of the foreigners in question from our country, but to ensure that the mentioned work and procedures are carried out in accordance with the legislation," the statement read.

"SUPPORTS VOLUNTARY RETURNS"

The statement pointed out that the Presidency of Migration Management supports the voluntary return of foreigners under protection, saying, "Our country supports the resettlement of foreigners under international and temporary protection to third countries and their voluntary returns. Our Presidency continues its efforts in this context with determination," it said.

Following the claims in question, the Communications Directorate's Center for Combating Disinformation also issued a statement. The statement said, "The news titled 'Circular for Syrians to Stay in Turkey,' shared by some media outlets and social media accounts, is not true.

The letter subject to the claim was issued for the purpose of completing administrative procedures arising from the relevant legislation, terminating the statuses of those leaving our country and collecting their identity documents, and keeping records and statistics complete and up-to-date. It is not a letter intended to prevent or restrict the departure of foreigners under international and temporary protection from our country," the statement said.

Emphasizing that the Presidency of Migration Management continues its work, the statement added, "Our country supports the resettlement of foreigners under international and temporary protection to third countries and their voluntary returns. The Ministry of Interior's Presidency of Migration Management continues its efforts in this context with determination."

News Source: İHA