What is the project about?

The project constitutes the second 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 improve the employment status, employability, and working conditions of agricultural workers in selected areas including seasonal migrant agricultural workers. 

What is the situation?

Türkiye has been the world’s largest host of refugees, currently accommodating close to 4 million registered individuals. While many Syrians under Temporary Protection (SuTP) and International Protection Status Holders and Applicants (IPSHA) benefit from social and financial assistance, these supports fall short of addressing their long-term livelihood needs. Approximately 65% of working-age SuTP and IPSHA are employed informally, with very limited access to work permits. This contributes to low income, lack of social protection, and poor living conditions, increasing the vulnerability of both individuals and employers, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as agriculture. Seasonal migrant agricultural workers face limited job security and inadequate working environments, which further hinder rural development and social cohesion. 

Also, seasonal agricultural worker women participate in the labour force in a limited and vulnerable manner due to factors such as low wages, lack of social security, and inadequate access to childcare services. This significantly constrains the economic contribution of women’s labour—despite its great potential for rural development.

What is our mission? 

Project’s mission is to improve the employment status, employability, and working conditions of agricultural workers in selected areas including seasonal migrant agricultural workers, while also strengthening the business viability of agricultural enterprises and cooperatives.

How are we doing this?

The project is implemented through a multi-stakeholder cooperation model involving Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Turkish Red Crescent (Türk Kızılay) to improve the employment status and working conditions of Seasonal Migratory Agricultural Workers (SMAWs). The project supports to ensure SMAWs are registered in the Work Permit Exemption System and the delivery of tailored vocational and soft skills training to agricultural workers. An agricultural support programme is also developed to strengthen cooperatives, unions, and agricultural enterprises through mentoring, micro-grants, and in-kind assistance. The target group are SMAWs including SuTP, IPSHA and host communities in Adana, Bursa, Hatay, Konya, Mardin, Mersin, and Şanlıurfa provinces. 

How will Türkiye benefit? 

Project contributes to building a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable structure within Türkiye’s agricultural sector by improving the living and working conditions of seasonal agricultural workers. By ending informal employment in the sector, increasing access to social protection and raising awareness of labour rights, project aims to strengthen the capacities of both individuals and employers.

Targeted solutions such as improving the living conditions of the SMAWs to promote decent employment, while support to cooperatives and agricultural enterprises enhances the resilience and productivity of local economies. Project also enables these enterprises to align more closely with legal and institutional frameworks, contributing to long-term rural development.