Kürşad Zorlu asks Yerlikaya: The future status of the foreign population in Turkey and undisclosed figures

Zorlu directed detailed questions to Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya regarding the fertility and marriage rates of the foreign population in Turkey, as well as future population projections.

İYİ Party MP Zorlu stated that the number of officially registered foreigners in Turkey is approaching 4.5 million, but noted that there are also unregistered foreigners, adding that the foreign population in Istanbul has reached 2.5 million.

Zorlu directed the following questions to Minister Yerlikaya:

"What is the number of registered foreigners living in Turkey? What is the estimated number of foreigners who have not been registered? How many foreigners live in the other 29 districts of Istanbul? Which districts in Turkey have a foreign population exceeding 20 percent, and what is the current number of foreigners in these districts? Is data sharing and cooperation being conducted with local governments, especially metropolitan municipalities? If so, what studies and projects have been carried out?"

In his other parliamentary question, Zorlu drew attention to the fertility rate and speed of asylum seekers, stating, "The asylum seeker population in our country continues to increase every day. While irregular migration and border security have a significant impact on this situation, the fertility rate and speed of the asylum seekers in our country also have a major effect. Furthermore, it is known that they enter into official and unofficial marriages, especially in regions where asylum seekers live densely.

Although various organizations conduct research on the fertility rates and marriage situations of asylum seekers, no statement has been made by official institutions regarding this. According to the data announced by the Presidency of Migration Management on June 20, 2024, there are 3 million 113 thousand Syrians under temporary protection, 1 million 121 thousand foreigners with residence permits, and 102 thousand 879 irregular migrants in our country.

Although these figures have been officially announced, it is known by everyone that the numbers are much higher. Importance should be given to such issues that will affect the future and demographic structure of our country, and studies should be conducted," he said. Zorlu asked Minister Yerlikaya, "Is a study being conducted regarding the fertility and marriage situations of foreigners in our country? If so, what are they?

What are the numbers of marriages of foreigners since 2012 and by year? What is the distribution by nationality? Considering the current number of foreigners in our country and looking at the fertility rate, what is the estimated foreign population as of 2030 and 2050? Are there any studies being conducted to prevent this situation, which will negatively affect the demographic structure of our country in the coming years? If so, what are they?"

News Source: 12punto