The Ministry of Interior has instructed local authorities to issue residence permits free of charge for asylum seekers and refugees who cannot afford to pay the required fee. Authorities will determine those who are exempt from paying based on an evaluation of each individual's financial situation. Those for whom a conclusion on the financial situation cannot be reached will also benefit from a fee waiver.

“This marks a significant step towards eliminating one of numerous obstacles faced by asylum seekers and refugees in Turkey,” notes ICMC Communications Officer, Alanna Ryan. “Obtaining a residence permit is essential in order to gain access to health, education and social assistance, yet many of those most in need simply do not have the means to pay the fees required to obtain the proper papers”. Without the permits, this already vulnerable group lacks access to necessary services.

In the past, the inability to pay for the residence fee has also had negative effects on refugee resettlement. Individuals who were departing for resettlement were faced with accumulated fines which often resulted in considerable delays in the resettlement process.

As a leading agency in refugee resettlement from Turkey, ICMC applauds the decision to waive such fees for those who genuinely cannot afford to pay, and encourages the government to consider additional means of further reducing administrative obstacles for asylum seekers and refugees in the country.