Residency status

In this section, the experiences of these entrepreneurs were divided into 3 topics, namely the Kimlik; work permit; and Turkish citizenship.

5.2.4.1. Kimlik

In regards to the Kimlik, only 3 out of the 12 entrepreneurs shared their familiarity with this type of document. As stated by two entrepreneurs, the Kimlik is given to undocumented Syrian refugees, by the Turkish government. Before the Kimlik, refugees used to receive a residency card, but this changed with time, the Kimlik replaced the residency cards, and functions as a temporary card. An example is of Mr. Alakkad who was under the temporary residency on his arrival to Turkey, his residency was legal, nevertheless, the Turkish government cancelled residencies and granted him the Kimlik. He currently holds a temporary residency card instead, which has to be renewed every 2 years. Additionally, according to him, to start a company, a work permit is required and it can be obtained from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, such as his case. Moreover, he shared that he employs Syrians in his small business, however, according to him, as some had the Kimlik, it meant that they could not get permission to work in the formal sector. Mr. Chouihna shared a similar perspective:

‘…No, no, actually it’s not the same because when you come to Turkey and you don’t have the ID or passport, life is miserable in Turkey because they don’t have travel documents and also about the residence permit, they only give per 6 months or one year, and it depends on your passport, and when you don’t have one you need a different ID, Affad ID, that requires a permission you need to apply for. So, when you want to open a company, this can hinder the process because they will ask for so many extra documents. And when you can’t travel, that means you can’t market yourself properly and get new clients. Because every step you will do, you will need permission to travel.’

(Mr. Chouihna - SaadPlast)

We did not acquire any direct information regarding the Kimlik from the organizations we interviewed.

5.2.4.2. Work Permit

When it comes to the work permits, there is a mixture of experiences. For example, Mrs.

Helli from Gaziantep found the process of obtaining a work permit easy. Mrs. Helli received help from an experienced accountant. Nevertheless, she contemplated whether the process was easy for the reason that she was a Syrian refugee and a female entrepreneur.

Three other entrepreneurs shared the opposite point of view. Their experience with work permits presented difficulties. For example, Mr. Kabbani shared that it created challenges in the hiring of foreign employees, due to the employment quota. He adds that the difficulty was related to the fact that they could not hire the required number of Turkish staff.

Moreover, he indicates the insecurity work permits present due to the government’s cancellations of the same. According to Mr. Kabbani, the government justified the cancellations for different reasons, such as lack of tax payments from some companies and companies not meeting the employment quota. In contrast, Mr. Arabo shared another observation:

‘In Turkey, there is no difference between the host community member and Syrian entrepreneurs. The laws are implemented for both communities. The laws of work permit and establishing a new business upon the Temporary Protection Identity have encouraged the refugee entrepreneurship in Turkey.’

(Mr. Arabo - Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce)

Mrs. Çam from the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Hamwi from SIBA shared the similar interpretation that, to move from one city to the other, Syrians under the protection law have to have a permit. Mrs. Çam also stated that getting the permission depends on the purpose of the trip and that businessmen tend to get this permission, especially if they have

a contact. She also adds that this permission is required from the Turkish authorities, hereunder the Mayor of the given city. On the other hand, according to Mr. Hamwi, owning a business does not help to get the permission to travel, preventing Syrian entrepreneurs from acquiring business opportunities. Moreover, he points out that the temporary protection law has an effect on the system around Syrians in Turkey, such as banks and the tax installment system. It affects anything preventing them from having a stable permanent situation in Turkey, which increases the lack of trust. Furthermore, he adds that Syrians do not usually get permits to travel for business purposes. Mr. Arabo from Gaziantep’s Chamber of Commerce shared that many Syrian businessmen are unable to secure international opportunities, because many countries do not grant them visas. Mr. Kadkoy from TEPAV, shared another perspective on the purpose of the law.

‘For Syrians to work legally, they can only work in the city of registration, this was made to create a balance in the country and avoid concentration of Syrians in specific areas.'

(Mr. Kadkoy - TEPAV)

The data also touched upon the issues regarding temporary status, according to Mr. Hamwi:

‘(...) one of the problems is that people are not allowed to move in the country or are unable to go out of the country given their temporary status. People who get the temporary residency papers, they sign the papers but don’t get a copy of it and they are not being published anywhere. We don’t know what kind of regulations, terms and conditions these people have signed.'

(Mr. Hamwi - SIBA)

Additionally, we are introduced to some of the obstacles organizations face related to work permits. According to Mr. Çoker from INGEV, due to the state’s perception of NGOs, they can face some challenges to acquire work permits to Syrians they want to employ. He also adds that the barriers faced by NGOs are different from the ones faced in the private sector (appendix 23).

5.2.4.3. Turkish Citizenship

In regards to the Turkish citizenship, only the perspective of 3 entrepreneurs was registered.

One of the entrepreneurs, Mrs. Muhibaldeen, did acquire the Turkish citizenship and did not face many difficulties. While Mr. Abu Deb, does not have the Turkish citizenship and still faces travel restrictions, for not having a Syrian passport.

‘I have tried to apply for the Turkish residency, there are 7 levels for the citizenship, the most complicated one is when they investigate your properties and personal part, the complicated one is the 4th level and they are investigating me. Me and my friend came together to Turkey in 2015, we have the same education, same amount of money, I’ve lived here longer than him, and he has received his residency. There is no rule, anyone you ask they say we don’t know, the government employees just say i don’t know.’

(Mr. Houbaity - Gardenia Residence)