The latest statements made by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Ali Yerlikaya, its determination to combat migrant smuggling and irregular migration and showcases its achievements in this field. While important steps were taken in the fight against irregular migration in the inspections and operations carried out throughout the country yesterday (May 21), this situation proves once again that Türkiye's approach to migration management sets an example to the entire world.
Comprehensive Inspections and Effective Results
According to the information provided by Minister Yerlikaya, during the inspections and operations carried out yesterday, ID check of 432 thousand 630 people done. In these large-scale operations, A total of 27 migrant smuggling organizers, 49 of whom are foreign nationals was caught. In addition, as a result of determined efforts carried out across the country, 509 irregular immigrants were detected Legal action was taken against them.
There is great coordination and dedicated work behind these operations. Under the coordination of the Directorate of Migration Management; the General Directorate of Security, the General Command of Gendarmerie and the Coast Guard Command carried out inspections at many different points such as abandoned places, public entertainment venues, truck garages, terminals, ports, public transportation stops and stations. In these inspections; A total of 28 places were checked at 321 points with 9 personnel and 19 teams. The places inspected include 4 abandoned buildings, 280 public places, 7 terminals and 862 other areas. The process of sending all detected irregular migrants back to their countries has been initiated.
Visible Change in Irregular Migration Route
Minister Yerlikaya drew attention to one of the most striking successes Türkiye has achieved in its fight against irregular migration and emphasized the point reached compared to the situation two years ago. When identity checks were started with mobile immigration vehicles two years ago, it was determined that approximately 4 out of every 3 people (74,5%) who were asked for their ID were irregular migrants. However, according to the latest data, this rate increased last month It fell to 1,8%. This means that only 100 out of every 2 people whose IDs are checked now turn out to be irregular migrants.
These statistics clearly show that Türkiye has ceased to be a target for irregular migration and a transit migration route. Thanks to the strict controls and coordinated operations implemented throughout the country, the irregular migration route has changed significantly.
Türkiye: An Exemplary Model in Migration Management
Minister of Interior Yerlikaya congratulated the governors, district governors and the personnel of the Police, Gendarmerie, Coast Guard and Migration Management who carried out the inspections. The Minister said that Türkiye In migration management, it offers an exemplary model to the whole world, respecting human rights and freedoms, adhering to the values of law and civilization, and never compromising public order and security. stated.
Addressing the issue of migration in all its dimensions, such as regular and irregular migration, international protection, voluntary, safe and dignified return, combating migrant smuggling and border management, Turkey is pursuing a comprehensive strategy in this area. This approach aims to both ensure the country’s own security and fulfill its international humanitarian responsibilities.
