Today, the main agenda of the Syria Crisis Response in Turkey is the access of Syrians to the income and employment opportunities that would create self-reliance and prevent them from depending on humanitarian assistance it’s the long-term sustainability of which is subject to uncertainties. Durable solutions to such a protracted crisis will only be possible if the resilience of individuals, communities and institutions is strengthened, so that refugees are able to rely on their own resources rather than humanitarian assistance.
UNDP Turkey is the only UN agency working on actual job creation and supporting the Government at scale in terms of labour demand, including the creation and facilitation of sustainable jobs for both host community members and Syrians. UNDP does this by supporting local economies, primarily through private sector engagement involving Turkish and Syrian-owned businesses. The private sector is a natural partner for UNDP not only during protracted humanitarian crises or natural disasters but also more generally to be able to respond better to the challenges of our times and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).

Against this backdrop, the “Private Sector Survey” has been conducted in the framework of the Turkey Resilience Project implemented under Syria Crisis Response and Resilience Programme to better understand how the Syria Crisis response in Turkey is perceived by the Turkish private sector, which is being positioned at the heart of the livelihoods strategies.

This survey shows that Turkish businesses are willing to learn more about the Syrians as their perception of Syrians as “refugees” is shifting away from their temporary status in Turkey towards their integration with society and the local economy. Turkish businesses are also well aware of opportunities stemming from the presence of a large Syrian workforce, such as access to Arabic-speaking countries. The survey also reveals important challenges such as tensions in the workplace, and lack of awareness amongst Turkish business about work permit procedures.