International Protection Applications in Turkey

1. Legal Framework of International Protection in Turkey

International protection in Turkey is not only a humanitarian policy; it is a legal regime with clear rules, procedures and rights.

The main pillars are:

• 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees
• 1967 Protocol
• Turkish Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) No. 6458
• Secondary legislation, such as regulations and circulars issued by the migration authority

Turkey maintains a “geographical limitation” to the 1951 Convention. This means that, under international refugee law, Turkey fully recognizes as “Convention refugees” only those who come from European countries. However, the LFIP created additional categories so that non-European asylum-seekers can also receive protection (e.g. “conditional refugee” and “subsidiary protection”).

The system is administered by the Presidency of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı) and its provincial directorates. These authorities are responsible for registering applications, conducting interviews, deciding on status and implementing return or deportation procedures.

In simple terms:

• The international rules set the minimum standards.
• The Turkish law (LFIP) explains how these rules are implemented in practice within Turkey.
• Every foreigner seeking protection must follow the procedures and deadlines defined in this domestic system.

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2. Types of International Protection Status in Turkish Law

Turkish law recognizes several different protection statuses. Understanding the differences is crucial, because each status has a different legal consequence and set of rights.

2.1. Refugee Status

“Refugee” status, in the narrow sense, is reserved for people who:

• Have a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, and
• Have come to Turkey from a European country.

In practice, this category is relatively limited because most asylum-seekers in Turkey originate from non-European states.

2.2. Conditional Refugee Status

To respond to the reality that many applicants come from the Middle East, Asia or Africa, LFIP created the status of “conditional refugee”. This applies to people who meet the 1951 Convention refugee definition but come from non-European countries.

The key points:

• They are protected in Turkey against refoulement (forced return to danger).
• They may be granted the right to legally stay in Turkey.
• In principle, they are considered as people who may be resettled to a third country (e.g. to another state willing to accept them).

2.3. Subsidiary Protection

Some people may not qualify as refugees (for example, they may not be targeted individually for persecution), but returning them would still expose them to serious harm. For such cases, Turkish law includes subsidiary protection, which may be granted when there is:

• Death penalty or execution risk
• Torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
• Serious threat from indiscriminate violence in situations of armed conflict

Subsidiary protection is similar to “complementary protection” in many European systems and is very important for people coming from war-torn countries or generalized violence.

2.4. Temporary Protection vs. International Protection

Many foreigners confuse temporary protection (geçici koruma) with international protection (uluslararası koruma).

• Temporary protection is a mass protection regime, used mainly for Syrians (and, in some periods, certain other groups) under a separate regulation.
• International protection is individual, based on the personal story, fear and risk of the applicant.

A Syrian under temporary protection may later decide to apply for international protection in exceptional circumstances, but in ordinary practice these two mechanisms function separately.

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3. Who Can Apply for International Protection in Turkey?

In principle, any foreigner or stateless person who is physically present in Turkey or at its borders can apply for international protection, regardless of how they entered the country.

Important points:

• Method of entry is not decisive. Even people who entered irregularly (without passport, visa or at an unofficial border crossing) may still apply.
• Authorities should not impose criminal penalties solely for irregular entry when the person promptly presents themselves and asks for protection.
• Applications can be made by adults, but also on behalf of family members, such as minor children or spouses, accompanying the principal applicant.
• Unaccompanied minors (children without their parents) can and should apply with the assistance of guardians, social services and specialized units.

However, there are exclusion clauses and inadmissibility grounds. For example, a person may be excluded from protection if there are serious reasons to suspect they committed war crimes, crimes against humanity or serious non-political crimes. Similarly, the application may be considered inadmissible if the person already enjoys protection in a safe third country or first country of asylum.

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4. Where and How to Lodge an International Protection Application

The first practical step is to formally lodge an international protection application.

4.1. Application at the Border or After Entry

An application may be made:

• At border gates, such as airports, seaports or land border crossings, by directly informing the border authorities that you want to seek international protection; or
• After entering the territory, by approaching the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü, PDMM) in the province where you are located.

In some locations, especially in large cities, the PDMM may require online appointments or specific application days. However, the legal right to make an application exists regardless of capacity or workload. In practice, NGOs and lawyers often assist applicants in obtaining an appointment and documenting attempts to apply.

4.2. Immediate Protection Need

If a person is already detained in a removal center or police station, they still have the right to request international protection. In those cases:

• They should clearly state that they fear return to their country and want to apply for international protection.
• The authorities are obliged to record this request, forward it to the migration authority and provide access to the procedure.

4.3. Written and Oral Statements

In principle, the application can start by an oral request, which is then recorded in writing by the authorities. The applicant’s basic identity data and reasons for seeking protection are captured at this stage.

Applicants should be careful to:

• Provide correct identity information, as far as possible;
• Clearly explain that they fear persecution, torture, or other serious harm if returned;
• Mention any urgent risks, such as medical conditions, pregnancy, disability, or risk of immediate deportation.

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5. Registration, Interview and Decision-Making Process

Once the application is received, the protection procedure has several stages.

5.1. Pre-Registration and Fingerprints

The PDMM will usually:

• Take biometric data (fingerprints, photographs);
• Register the applicant in the national migration database;
• Allocate a “satellite city” or specific province where the applicant must reside;
• Provide a pre-registration document or, later, an international protection applicant identity card.

This identity document is extremely important. It contains a foreigner identification number (starting with 99) and shows that the person is legally present in Turkey as an asylum-seeker.

5.2. International Protection Interview

The personal interview is the heart of the procedure. During this interview:

• A case worker from the migration authority asks detailed questions about the applicant’s background, journey to Turkey, and reasons for leaving their country.
• An interpreter should be provided in a language the applicant can understand and communicate in.
• The applicant has the right to be accompanied by a lawyer.
• The interview should be conducted in a confidential and respectful manner.

The interview aims to evaluate:

• Whether the applicant’s fear of persecution or serious harm is credible;
• Whether there are exclusion clauses;
• Whether there is a safe third country or internal protection alternative within the applicant’s country of origin.

5.3. Evidence and Documentation

Applicants are encouraged to provide supporting evidence where available, such as:

• Identity documents (passports, IDs, birth certificates)
• Police or court documents, arrest warrants, summons, etc.
• Medical reports showing torture or violence
• Witness statements, membership cards of political parties, NGOs, religious communities
• Photos, videos, social media posts relevant to the case

However, Turkish law recognizes that many asylum-seekers flee without documents. The absence of documents should not automatically lead to rejection, especially if the oral testimony is coherent and plausible.

5.4. Decision on International Protection

After the interview and assessment, the migration authority may:

• Grant refugee, conditional refugee or subsidiary protection status, or
• Reject the application, or
• Take a decision that the application is inadmissible or subject to accelerated procedure (for example, clearly unfounded claims).

The decision is notified in writing, usually with a short explanation of the reasons. This notification is critical because appeal deadlines start running from the date the decision is communicated to the applicant.

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6. Rights of International Protection Applicants in Turkey

Once a person is registered as an international protection applicant, they enjoy a number of rights under Turkish law. These rights may depend on the stage of the procedure and on the final status granted, but broadly include the following.

6.1. Right to Stay in Turkey

Applicants have the right to remain in Turkey while their international protection procedure is ongoing, and, in many cases, throughout the appeal stages. This right is closely linked to the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending a person to a country where they face persecution or serious harm.

6.2. Identity Card and Legal Presence

The international protection applicant identity card:

• Demonstrates that the person is legally present in Turkey;
• Contains a foreigner ID number used for many services;
• Is necessary for accessing health care, education and other rights.

Applicants should always carry this document and keep it safe. Loss or damage should be reported immediately to the migration authority.

6.3. Access to Health Services

Depending on the stage of the procedure and the policies in the relevant province, applicants may be:

• Registered under general health insurance; or
• Granted access to emergency and primary health services through local arrangements.

In practice, access can vary from province to province, but there is a general obligation on the state to ensure that applicants can access basic health services, especially for serious conditions, pregnancy, children and other vulnerable persons.

6.4. Education

Children of international protection applicants have the right to attend primary and secondary education in public schools. This includes:

• Registration with the Ministry of Education system using the foreigner ID number;
• Access to schooling regardless of the family’s status or income.

Language barriers and capacity issues in some cities can create practical obstacles, but legally the right to education exists and should be enforced.

6.5. Right to Work

Under certain conditions, international protection applicants and status holders may work in Turkey. Generally:

• Applicants can apply for a work permit after a waiting period from their registration.
• Some categories, such as those under subsidiary protection or conditional refugee status, may enjoy more stable access to work permits once protection is granted.

Working without a permit can create legal problems and risks of exploitation. From a practical perspective, many asylum-seekers work informally, but this does not change the legal requirement for authorization.

6.6. Social Assistance and Support

In some cases, especially for vulnerable groups, applicants may access:

• Cash or in-kind assistance schemes supported by the Turkish authorities, NGOs or international organizations;
• Shelter or reception facilities;
• Psychological support, legal counselling and social services.

Access to such services often depends on local projects, partnerships and funding, but applicants should ask NGOs and bar associations about possibilities.

6.7. Legal Aid and Representation

International protection applicants have the right to legal assistance:

• They can appoint a private lawyer of their choice;
• If they cannot afford a lawyer, they may apply for state-funded legal aid through provincial bar associations, particularly during the appeal and judicial review stages.

Using legal aid can be crucial where strict deadlines and complex legal arguments are involved.

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7. Obligations of Applicants and Common Risks

The international protection regime is not only about rights; it also imposes important obligations on applicants. Violating these obligations can lead to serious consequences, including the closure of the application or restrictions on movement.

7.1. Residence in the Assigned City

Applicants are usually assigned to a specific province or satellite city, where they must reside and report regularly. Leaving this city without permission can result in:

• Administrative fines;
• Interruption of assistance;
• In extreme cases, the closure of the file.

If an applicant truly needs to move—for example, for medical treatment or family reasons—they should request official permission from the migration authority.

7.2. Reporting (Signature Duty)

Many applicants are required to visit the PDMM or local police regularly (for example weekly or monthly) to sign and confirm their presence in the assigned city. Missing these reporting appointments without a valid excuse is a common and serious mistake.

7.3. Cooperation with Authorities

Applicants must:

• Attend interviews and respond to summons;
• Inform authorities of any change of address;
• Provide, as far as possible, truthful and complete information.

Giving false identity, hiding key facts or using forged documents can severely damage credibility and may lead to rejection or even criminal proceedings.

7.4. Respect for Turkish Laws

International protection does not give immunity from criminal law. Serious crimes committed in Turkey can:

• Trigger detention or imprisonment;
• Negatively influence the international protection procedure (e.g. application of exclusion clauses).

Applicants should be aware that their behaviour in Turkey can directly affect their protection status.

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8. Rejection Decisions, Appeals and Judicial Review

Not every international protection application is accepted. When the authority issues a negative decision, the applicant must act very quickly.

8.1. Types of Negative Decisions

Common types include:

• Rejection on the merits: authorities do not find the fear of persecution or serious harm to be credible or sufficient under the law.
• Inadmissibility: the authority decides not to examine the substance because, for example, the person already enjoys protection in another country or has lodged a “repeat” application without new evidence.
• Accelerated procedure decisions: claims considered clearly unfounded, abusive or presenting security concerns.

Each of these decisions has its own time limits and procedural rules for appeal.

8.2. Administrative Appeal

After receiving a negative decision, the applicant usually has a short period (counted in days, not months) to lodge an administrative appeal before the competent appeal body within the migration system.

In this appeal, it is essential to:

• Explain clearly why the decision is wrong, both in facts and law;
• Correct any misunderstandings in the interview record;
• Add new documents or evidence that were not available earlier;
• Emphasize any procedural violations, such as lack of proper interpretation or failure to consider specific elements.

Because deadlines are strict, many applicants seek help from a lawyer or legal aid once they receive the decision.

8.3. Judicial Review before Administrative Courts

If the administrative appeal is rejected—or in some cases directly after a negative decision—applicants may seek judicial review before Turkish administrative courts.

Court proceedings:

• Focus on whether the decision of the migration authority is lawful, reasoned and compatible with human rights;
• May examine the personal file, interview transcripts and evidence;
• Can result in the annulment of the negative decision, forcing the authority to re-examine the case, or in the rejection of the case, which confirms the negative decision.

In many situations, lodging the court case has a suspensive effect, meaning that the applicant cannot legally be deported until the court decides. However, this may depend on the type of decision, so legal advice is crucial.

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9. Deportation, Detention and the Principle of Non-Refoulement

International protection is closely linked to deportation procedures and the principle of non-refoulement.

9.1. Deportation (Removal) Decisions

The migration authority can issue deportation orders against foreigners who:

• Are considered a threat to public order or security;
• Are staying in Turkey irregularly;
• Violated visa or residence rules;
• Had their international protection application rejected or status cancelled.

However, a deportation order cannot lawfully be implemented against a person who would face persecution, torture, death penalty or other serious harm upon return.

9.2. Immigration Detention and Removal Centers

Some foreigners are placed in removal centers pending deportation. Even in detention:

• They retain the right to apply for international protection;
• They have the right to lawyer visits;
• They may challenge both the detention and the deportation order before courts.

Detention should be used as a last resort and based on legal grounds; unnecessary or prolonged detention can violate fundamental rights.

9.3. Non-Refoulement

Non-refoulement is a core principle of international refugee and human rights law. It means that:

• No one should be sent to a country where they face persecution, torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, or serious threat from violence or conflict.

This principle binds Turkey both under international conventions and under its domestic law. In practice, international protection procedures and appeals are key tools to enforce non-refoulement and prevent unlawful returns.

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10. Vulnerable Groups: Children, Victims of Violence and Other Risk Profiles

Some applicants require special procedural guarantees and tailored support.

10.1. Unaccompanied and Separated Children

Children who arrive in Turkey without parents or legal guardians are treated as unaccompanied minors. For them:

• Social services and child protection institutions must be involved;
• Guardianship and representation issues must be addressed;
• Their best interests must be the primary consideration in all migration and protection decisions.

Interviews with children should be adapted to their age and maturity, and detention of minors is highly problematic under international standards.

10.2. Victims of Gender-Based Violence and LGBTI+ Applicants

Applicants who have suffered sexual violence, domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour crimes or persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity may face extra barriers in explaining their cases.

Authorities should:

• Provide same-sex interviewers and interpreters where appropriate;
• Ensure confidentiality and a safe environment;
• Avoid stereotyping and prejudices;
• Recognize that such applicants may need more time and trust to disclose sensitive details.

10.3. Victims of Torture and Trauma

People who have survived torture, ill-treatment or war trauma often struggle with memory, concentration and trust. This can influence the consistency of their statements.

Turkey is expected to ensure that:

• Medical and psychological assessments are available;
• Interview techniques are adapted to avoid re-traumatization;
• Decisions properly take into account the impact of trauma on testimony.

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11. Practical Tips for a Strong International Protection Application

From a practical perspective, several points are repeatedly decisive in Turkish international protection cases.

11.1. Be Consistent and Detailed

Authorities pay close attention to:

• Consistency between what you say at different times (border, registration, interview, appeal);
• Details that show the story is personal and not a generic narrative.

Contradictions do not automatically mean lying, but repeated or major inconsistencies can seriously damage credibility. Where there is a genuine memory problem or trauma, this should be explained and documented.

11.2. Prepare for the Interview

Before the main interview, it helps to:

• Write down, in your own language, a chronology of key events: when, where, who, what happened, and why you left;
• Think about specific incidents of persecution or threats;
• Gather any available supporting documents.

If you have a lawyer, you can discuss the structure of your story, important legal elements (such as political opinion, religion, membership of a particular group) and possible questions that the case officer may ask.

11.3. Use Interpretation Actively

If you do not understand the interpreter or the language being used:

• Say so immediately; do not simply nod.
• Ask for clarification or repetition when you do not understand a question.
• At the end, when the interview record is read back or presented, confirm whether it reflects what you actually said.

Misinterpretation is a frequent source of misunderstanding in decisions.

11.4. Respect Deadlines Strictly

Once you receive a negative decision, note the:

• Date of notification, and
• Deadline for appeal and judicial review.

Even a one-day delay can result in losing the right to challenge the decision. If you are detained or living far from the city center, consider this when planning to lodge appeals.

11.5. Stay in Contact and Keep Addresses Updated

Always:

• Inform the migration authority of any change of address;
• Check your mail or official communication channels;
• Keep copies of all documents.

Lost letters or outdated addresses are a very common reason why applicants find out about negative decisions too late.

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12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

12.1. Can I apply for international protection in Turkey if I entered irregularly?

Yes. The method of entry, by itself, does not prevent you from applying for international protection. Even if you crossed the border irregularly or used a smuggler, you can and should inform the authorities as soon as possible that you want to seek protection. Irregular entry may be examined in the context of credibility or possible security concerns, but it is not an automatic bar to protection.

12.2. Can I be deported while my international protection application is pending?

As a rule, once you have properly lodged an application, you should be allowed to remain in Turkey until a decision is made and, in many cases, during appeals. However, the exact protection against deportation depends on the type of decision and the stage of the procedure. In some cases, deportation orders are suspended automatically; in others, you must request suspension from the court. It is therefore essential to act quickly and seek legal advice if you receive any deportation order.

12.3. Can I work in Turkey while my international protection case is being examined?

International protection applicants may apply for work permits after certain conditions are met, usually after a period of registration. The work permit is linked to the employer and subject to labour law rules. Many applicants work informally, but this brings risks such as exploitation and lack of social security. From a legal perspective, it is always safer to work with a valid work permit.

12.4. How long does the international protection procedure take in Turkey?

There is no single fixed timeline. Some cases are decided relatively quickly; others can take months or even years, especially when appeals and court proceedings are involved. The duration depends on:

• The complexity of the case;
• The workload of the local migration authority and courts;
• Whether the case is handled under normal, accelerated or inadmissibility procedures.

During this time, maintaining your legal status, address registration and reporting duties is essential.

12.5. What happens if my application is rejected?

If your application is rejected:

1. You will receive a written decision with reasons.
2. There will be a deadline for administrative appeal (very short, counted in days).
3. After the administrative appeal, or in some cases in parallel, you may file a court case before the administrative court.

If both the administrative and judicial stages end negatively and no other protection ground applies, the authorities may attempt to implement a deportation order. However, even at this stage, if new risks arise (for example, a change in your country’s situation), there may be possibilities to lodge a new application or seek other remedies.

12.6. Can I travel to another city, for example to Istanbul, if my satellite city is different?

If you are assigned to a specific satellite city, you must reside there and comply with reporting duties. Travelling to other cities without permission can cause legal problems, including the closure of your file or difficulties in accessing services. Short-term travel may be allowed with prior authorization; you should always check with the migration authority in your city before travelling.

12.7. Can I obtain a travel document and leave Turkey if I am granted protection?

Some international protection status holders may, in principle, apply for travel documents. However, the practice is complex and depends on the type of status, security considerations and policies of the authorities. The main purpose of international protection is to ensure safety within Turkey, not automatically to guarantee onward movement. If resettlement to a third country is being considered (for example for certain conditional refugees), this is usually organized through special programmes, not individual travel.

12.8. Is it necessary to have a lawyer for an international protection application?

The law does not require you to have a lawyer, and many people apply without representation. However, because the procedure is technical and deadline-driven, having a lawyer—or at least consulting one—can significantly increase the quality of your application and appeals. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for legal aid from bar associations, especially in appeal and court stages.

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13. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

International protection in Turkey is a complex but essential mechanism designed to protect people fleeing war, persecution and serious human rights violations. It operates under a detailed legal framework combining international conventions and Turkish domestic law.

Key points to remember:

• Anyone physically in Turkey or at its borders who fears persecution or serious harm in their country can ask for international protection (uluslararası koruma).
• Turkish law distinguishes between refugee, conditional refugee and subsidiary protection, and also has a separate temporary protection regime.
• The application process includes registration, fingerprinting, assignment of a satellite city, and a detailed personal interview, after which an individualized decision is taken.
• Applicants enjoy important rights: the right to stay in Turkey during the procedure, an identity card, access to basic health care and education, and, under certain conditions, access to work and social assistance.
• At the same time, they have strict obligations: living in the assigned city, reporting regularly, updating addresses and cooperating with the authorities.
• Negative decisions can and should be appealed within short legal deadlines, first administratively and then before administrative courts.
• The entire system is guided by the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending someone back to a place where they face persecution or serious harm.
• For vulnerable groups—children, survivors of violence, LGBTI+ people and torture victims—special guarantees and more careful procedures are required.

For foreigners considering or already making an international protection application in Turkey, the most important practical advice is to act quickly, keep all documents, respect deadlines and seek professional legal assistance where possible. A well-prepared file, a clear and honest narrative, and timely appeals can make a decisive difference in the outcome of the case.