Human smuggling operation in Bursa: 22 foreign nationals identified

In an operation targeting human smuggling in Yıldırım, Bursa, 22 foreign nationals of Syrian and Afghan origin were identified. 

The Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and the Anti-Migrant Smuggling and Border Gates Branch Directorate teams conducted the operation, which determined that foreign nationals were being employed without work permits and were residing at a business operating on 11 Eylül Boulevard in the Çelebi Mehmet neighborhood.

ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING

During the operation, it was determined that the foreign nationals, who were being housed in container cabins at the workplace, were working without work permits.

It was stated that 12 of these individuals were Syrian nationals without identification, and 2 were Afghan nationals without identification. Additionally, it was learned that 2 Syrian nationals were present in Bursa without authorization despite being registered in other provinces, and 6 individuals held temporary protection identification documents registered in Bursa.

In interviews conducted with the individuals, it was stated that the Afghan nationals without identification had entered the country illegally through Van, while the Syrian nationals without identification had entered through Hatay and Gaziantep, and that they had been working at this workplace in Bursa for periods ranging from one to seven years. It was learned that the workers' housing and other needs at the workplace were met by the business owner and the foreman.

BUSINESS OWNER AND FOREMAN IN CUSTODY

Regarding the incident, the business owner and the foreman were referred to judicial authorities.

Within the scope of the investigation into the crime of human smuggling, suspects I.H. and T.A. were taken into custody. Instructions were given for the foreign nationals to be handed over to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management after their statements were taken as persons with knowledge of the matter.

Authorities stated that the fight against human smuggling will continue with determination and that such illegal activities will not be tolerated.