How to Apply for International Protection in Turkey

The legal framework under which a foreign national at risk of persecution or serious harm in their country of origin may seek protection in Turkey is set out in Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (YUKK).

Three Distinct Protection Statuses

The YUKK provides for three separate statuses depending on the applicant's situation. Refugee status is granted, under the geographical limitation Turkey applies to the 1951 Geneva Convention, only to those persecuted due to events occurring in European countries. Conditional refugee status is granted to those coming from outside Europe who face a similar risk of persecution, and such persons may remain in Turkey until resettled in a third country. Subsidiary protection is granted to persons who do not qualify as a refugee or conditional refugee but would face risks such as the death penalty, torture, or inhuman treatment if returned to their country of origin.

How and Where to Apply

An application for international protection must be made in person at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province where the applicant is located; the law sets no specific time limit for applying, though applying as soon as possible after entering Turkey is recommended. Because this application is a strictly personal right, a lawyer cannot submit it directly on the applicant's behalf — but there is no obstacle to obtaining legal support to prepare the application file and follow the process.

The Evaluation Process

The application is individually examined by the Presidency of Migration Management, which assesses the applicant's identity information, reasons for coming, and situation in their country of origin. As a rule, the applicant's right to remain in Turkey is preserved throughout the process.

The Right to Sue Against a Refusal

If the application is refused, the applicant retains the right to file an annulment action before the administrative court. Applicants and status holders may be represented by a lawyer in relation to procedures and actions arising during the international protection process, provided they cover the cost of that representation themselves.

Practical Recommendations

Because the consistency of the information provided during the application process is critical, gather any documents supporting your situation before applying and prepare the process together with a lawyer. Since the deadline for challenging a refusal decision is short, it is important to obtain legal support without delay once you receive a rejection.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact our team regarding your specific situation.