What is the project about?

The project constitutes the first component of the Integration Through Employment Support in Urban and Rural Environments (INSURE) Program, which aims to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and formal employment for Syrians under Temporary Protection (SuTP), International Protection Status Holders and Applicants (IPSHA), and host communities in Türkiye.

Project aims to increase level of employability of SuTP, IPSHA and host community members in the non-agriculture sectors. 

What is the situation?

Türkiye has been the world’s largest host of refugees, currently accommodating approximately 4 million individuals. While a significant portion of Syrians under Temporary Protection (SuTP) and International Protection Status Holders and Applicants (IPSHA) benefit from various forms of social assistance, these forms of aid are not sufficient substitutes for sustainable livelihood opportunities. Among the nearly 2 million SuTP and IPSHA individuals of working age, approximately 65%—that is, the vast majority — are employed within the informal sector. Limited vocational skills, low income, informality, and restricted access to social protection mechanisms further increase the economic and social vulnerability of these groups. As of mid-2023, assessments indicated that 91% of individuals were unable to fully meet their basic needs despite combining income from informal labour, humanitarian assistance, and remittances. This highlights the growing urgency to transition from humanitarian aid to sustainable and decent employment opportunities. 

What is our mission?

Project’s mission is the development of Turkish language training, soft skills training and applied training programmes for Syrians under Temporary Protection (SuTP), International Protection Status Holders and Applicants (IPSHA), and Turkish citizens—aiming to improve the level of employability and social cohesion in the non-agriculture sectors.

How are we doing this?

İŞKUR is the main beneficiary, Ministry of Labour and Social Security Directorate General of International Labour Force and Ministry of National Education Directorate General of Lifelong Learning are the co-beneficiaries of the Project. Target groups are SuTP, IPSHA, and host communities in Adana, Bursa, Gaziantep, Hatay, İstanbul, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Mardin, Mersin, and Şanlıurfa provinces. 

The project is implemented through a multi-stakeholder cooperation model involving İŞKUR, Ministry of Labour and Social Security Directorate General of International Labour Force, the Ministry of National Education Directorate General of Lifelong Learning, the Presidency of Migration Management, and Anadolu University. The studies, including learning systems and technical infrastructure, are carried out with the contributions of all stakeholders and are shaped in line with the needs based on field analysis. The project improves the employability of individuals in non-agricultural sectors through the Applied Training Program (ATP), leveraging the expertise of İŞKUR and the cooperation of other stakeholders.

How will Türkiye benefit?

The project offers a comprehensive framework that supports individuals’ participation in the labour market and economic life while also strengthening social cohesion and institutional capacity. This approach empowers not only individuals but also institutions in delivering more inclusive services. The training content and guidance models developed throughout the project are designed for long-term use and will be transferred to public institutions, ensuring sustainable impact.

Moreover, through community-based and inclusive practices, the project fosters mutual understanding and collaboration between individuals under international protection and host communities, thereby enhancing social cohesion. Participation in employment and social cohesion are not merely outcomes of the project, but integral components of its implementation approach.