Emigration drops in Türkiye while immigration remains steady – Hürriyet Daily News

Migration Trends in Türkiye: A Report on Emigration and Immigration in 2024

Overview of Migration Statistics

According to the latest data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) on June 24, 2024, emigration from Türkiye has decreased significantly by over 40 percent compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, immigration figures have remained relatively stable, showing only a slight decline of 0.6 percent.

Emigration Details

1. Total number of emigrants in 2024: 424,345
2. Comparison with 2023: A sharp rise of 53 percent was recorded in 2023, with emigration around 714,500 individuals.
3. Composition of emigrants:
   • Foreign nationals: Over 273,000
   • Turkish citizens: Nearly 151,000
4. Age group with the largest share: 25–29 years

Immigration Details

1. Total number of immigrants in 2024: 314,588
2. Change from previous year: Slight decline of 0.6 percent
3. Composition of immigrants:
   • Foreign nationals: 210,856
   • Turkish citizens returning from abroad: 103,732
4. Dominant age group: 20–24 years

Geographical Distribution

• Istanbul remains the leading province for both immigration and emigration:
  • Approximately one-third of all immigrants settled in Istanbul.
  • 34 percent of emigrants departed from Istanbul.
• Other major provinces involved in migration:
  • Ankara
  • Antalya
  • İzmir
  • Mersin

Nationality Breakdown

• Top foreign nationalities arriving in Türkiye:
  1. Azerbaijan (9.9%)
  2. Turkmenistan
  3. Uzbekistan
  4. Russia
  5. Iran
• Top foreign nationalities emigrating from Türkiye:
  1. Iraq (17.4%)
  2. Afghanistan
  3. Russia
  4. Iran
  5. Turkmenistan

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The observed migration trends highlight the importance of managing population movements to reduce inequalities both within Türkiye and in the region. The steady immigration and reduced emigration can contribute to balanced socio-economic development.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The predominance of young adults in migration flows suggests potential impacts on the labor market. Supporting the integration of immigrants and returning citizens can foster economic growth and employment opportunities.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

With Istanbul as the primary hub for migration, urban planning and sustainable development in metropolitan areas are critical to accommodate population changes and ensure quality living conditions.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

International cooperation is essential to manage migration effectively, especially considering the diverse nationalities involved. Collaborative efforts can enhance data sharing and policy coordination to support sustainable migration management.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses migration trends involving both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals, highlighting issues related to inequality and social inclusion.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Migration patterns often relate to employment opportunities and economic conditions, which are key components of SDG 8.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The concentration of migrants in urban centers like Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, İzmir, and Mersin connects to urban development and sustainable community planning.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Migration impacts health and well-being, especially among young adults who form the majority of migrants.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 10 – Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
   • The article’s focus on emigration and immigration statistics reflects the need for managing migration flows.
2. SDG 8 – Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers.
   • The migration of young adults likely relates to labor market dynamics and employment opportunities.
3. SDG 11 – Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • The settlement patterns in major cities like Istanbul highlight urbanization challenges.
4. SDG 3 – Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Young adult migrants’ well-being is implied in the demographic data.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 10.7.2: Number of countries that have implemented well-managed migration policies.
   • The article’s data on migration flows can be used to assess the effectiveness of migration policies.
2. Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, by sex and migrant status.
   • While not explicitly mentioned, the migration of young adults suggests relevance to labor conditions.
3. Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.
   • The concentration of migrants in urban areas implies urban expansion and planning challenges.
4. Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.
   • Implied importance of mental health and well-being among young migrants.
5. Additional implied indicators:
   • Number of emigrants and immigrants by age group and nationality (used to track migration trends).
   • Proportion of migrants settling in specific provinces (urban settlement patterns).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: hurriyetdailynews.com