Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants (Geri Gönderme Merkezi) are facilities established under immigration laws to detain foreign nationals who have entered a country illegally or whose legal residence period has expired. These centers are primarily used to facilitate the deportation process of foreign nationals to their country of origin or a suitable third country.

What are the Duties of Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants?

Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants are responsible for carrying out the necessary procedures for deporting foreign nationals to their home countries or transferring them to another country. In these centers, basic services such as accommodation, food, and medical care are provided. However, the conditions of these centers and reports of human rights violations in some of them have always been a subject of discussion and criticism.

Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants in Turkey

In Turkey, there are currently 32 Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants established for the temporary detention of foreign nationals before their deportation. The capacity of these centers was announced to be approximately 21,000 people as of 2023.

Who are Held in Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants?

  • Those who have entered Turkey illegally,
  • Those whose legal residence period has expired,
  • Those who have been issued a deportation decision from Turkey.

In Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants in Turkey, foreign nationals of various nationalities such as Syrians, Afghans, Iraqis, Iranians, Somalis, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Congolese, and others are held. However, these centers are temporary, and individuals are released after the deportation process is completed and returned to their home countries.

What Services are Provided in Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants?

Foreign nationals held in Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants have access to basic services, which include the following:

  • Accommodation: These centers usually have single or double rooms and offer facilities similar to state dormitories.
  • Food: Three meals a day are provided, and religious considerations such as halal food are taken into account when necessary.
  • Medical Services: Medical facilities are provided for emergency treatment and health care.
  • Communication: Foreign nationals can communicate with their families and relatives by phone or internet.

However, the quality and quantity of these services vary depending on the capacity of each center, the number of staff, and the allocated budget, and some of these centers have been criticized for their inadequate conditions.

Obligations of Foreign Nationals After the End of Administrative Supervision

Foreign nationals who are released from administrative supervision in Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants are obliged to comply with certain conditions, including:

  • Residing at a specific address,
  • Informing the relevant authorities,
  • Paying a financial guarantee,
  • Being monitored through an electronic monitoring system.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in their re-entry into Turkey being banned or subject to financial penalties.

Possibility of Appealing Detention in Deportation and Detention Centers for Migrants

Foreign nationals held in these centers can pursue their rights through two types of legal action. However, due to language problems and the complexity of legal procedures, it is recommended that this process be carried out with the help of a lawyer specializing in immigration matters. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the person will be returned to their country after leaving the center.