ANKARA –June 20, 2023 – 

On June 20, 2023, representatives from the European Union (EU) Delegation to Türkiye, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ministry of Interior (MoI), Turkish National Police (TNP), Directorate General of Provincial Administration (DGPA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), Turkish Coast Guard (TCG), Gendarmerie General Command (GCC) and Central Contracts and Finance Unit (CFCU) gathered in Ankara to mark the closure a project that contributed to the ongoing efforts of Türkiye to address irregular migration in line with the EU standards and best practices. 

The 30-month EU-funded project on “Enhancing Capacities of Turkish National Police and Other Law Enforcement Agencies in Detection of Forgery in Travel Documents and Risk Analysis” focused on increasing the capacities of TNP and related institutions in detecting forged documents and conducting risk assessments related to irregular migration. Aligned with Türkiye’s Strategy Document and National Action Plan on Irregular Migration, and National Plan for EU Accession, this initiative represented a significant step towards achieving safe, orderly and regular migration.

Under the project, more than 900 law enforcement and public officers, where at least 27% of participants were female officers, involved in border and migration management, received training on travel document forgery detection and risk analysis. The training programme was based on materials developed in accordance with EU’s best practices. Additionally, regional analysis reports and a comprehensive communication strategy for TNP were developed during the project course. Hardware upgrades included provision of 200 documents inspections devices to first and second line TNP officers, contributing to a significant increase in identification of fraudulent travel documents. Furthermore, 76 TNP representatives took part in a “training of trainers” programme, ensuring the sustainability of project outcomes. These achievements will serve as the basis for the newly launched projects, ensuring the coherence of border management efforts in Türkiye.

IOM, as a leading UN agency in migration management, has been actively cooperating with competent ministries, institutions and international partners, demonstrating an outstanding track record of cooperation. In line with its commitment, IOM will work to ensure sustainability of these actions by facilitating the transfer of experience and the strengthening of communication channels among governmental officials.

Today’s successful conclusion of one intervention represents a significant stride forward in Türkiye's ongoing efforts to enhance border management, combat irregular migration, and foster inter-agency cooperation.