The new program aims to enhance the employability of foreigners, individuals under international protection, host communities, and vulnerable groups while strengthening their economic integration.

14 March 2025, Ankara – The Integration through Employment Support in Urban and Rural Environments (INSURE) Program, implemented under the EU Facility for Refugees in Türkiye (FRIT-III), has been launched in Ankara.

The new program aims to expand employment opportunities for foreigners, individuals under international protection, host communities, and vulnerable groups, promoting economic integration and strengthening social cohesion.

Funded by the European Union, the INSURE Program is implemented by UNDP Türkiye in cooperation with the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Directorate General of International Labor under the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

The launch event was hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and attended by representatives from the EU Delegation to Türkiye, İŞKUR, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Interior, the Turkish Red Crescent, and other key stakeholders.

Mustafa Ali Yurdupak, UNDP Türkiye’s Deputy Resident Representative (Programmes), emphasized that the INSURE Program would not only support individual employment but also contribute to regional development and social cohesion.

Emre Gürçay, Deputy Director General of Livestock at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, highlighted that the program would improve the working conditions of seasonal agricultural workers in rural areas, creating a sustainable economic structure in the agricultural sector while contributing to social justice and economic balance.

Mehmet Altun, Head of the Department of External Relations and Projects at İŞKUR, expressed confidence that the project would make a significant contribution to the labor market through the proven expertise of implementation partners and stakeholders.

Laurent Guirkinger, Head of the Humanitarian and Social Development Section at the EU Delegation to Türkiye, underlined that agriculture is a key sector for the employment of foreigners and individuals under international protection, emphasizing that the EU’s long-term commitment would continue to deliver tangible results through strong partnerships.

The INSURE Program is designed around two main components: skills development to enhance employability and strengthening seasonal agricultural capacities in rural areas.

With a budget of €72.5 million, the initiative will support safe employment and access to a qualified workforce in pilot provinces while enhancing the capacity of agricultural enterprises and cooperatives in rural areas, fostering sustainable livelihoods.

By improving working conditions, increasing employability, and creating sustainable job opportunities, the program aims not only to facilitate employment for its beneficiaries but also to contribute to sectoral development.

For more information: Lale Çeviker Bozüyük, UNDP Türkiye Communication Specialist, lale.bozuyuk@undp.org