ILO and UNHCR formalize cooperation in Türkiye to advance decent work and economic inclusion

ILO and UNHCR formalize cooperation in Türkiye to advance decent work and economic inclusion

This partnership marks an important step in reinforcing joint efforts to expand access to decent work and sustainable livelihoods for refugees and host communities in Türkiye.

2 April 2026

ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan and UNHCR Türkiye Representative Angela Li Rosi

ANKARA (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye and the Representation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Türkiye have formalized their cooperation through a new Letter of Understanding (LoU), reinforcing joint efforts to expand access to decent work and sustainable livelihoods for refugees and host communities.

The agreement marks an important step in strengthening coordinated action to support labour market integration, promote formal employment, and enhance economic inclusion. It builds on a long-standing global partnership and responds to the need for more structured collaboration at country level.

Anchored in the global ILO-UNHCR Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016, the LoU translates shared priorities into targeted national action. It also aligns with key international frameworks, including the Global Compact on Refugees and the ILO-UNHCR Joint Action Plan (2023-2025).

Over the past 18 months, the two organizations have intensified their collaboration in Türkiye through joint research, programme development and advocacy. The LoU formalizes this engagement, creating a practical framework to scale up impact and strengthen policy coherence.

Driving impact through joint priorities

The partnership focuses on concrete areas that directly contribute to improved employment outcomes and stronger labour market systems. These include supporting the implementation of national policies that facilitate access to work for refugees, including recent work permit arrangements, and strengthening pathways to formal employment.

ILO Türkiye Director Hassan and UNHCR Türkiye Representative Li Rosi signed a LoU

Joint efforts will also prioritize skills mapping and labour market analysis to better match workforce supply with demand, helping both refugees and host community members access relevant and sustainable job opportunities. At the same time, the partnership will work to improve the quality and availability of labour market data, supporting more effective, evidence-based policymaking within the Economic Empowerment sector under the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP).

Expanding access to finance is another key focus area. By working with financial institutions and public authorities, ILO and UNHCR aim to address barriers that limit refugees' access to banking and financial services, enabling greater participation in economic life, including entrepreneurship.

The LoU also emphasizes strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training systems to ensure that skills development programmes are aligned with labour market needs and lead to real employment opportunities. Awareness-raising activities will further support both employers and workers in understanding rights, responsibilities and available pathways to decent work.

In addition, the partnership will support livelihood preparedness in the context of voluntary return, contributing to more sustainable reintegration outcomes through skills development and improved access to economic opportunities.

Strengthening coordination for sustainable results

The LoU establishes clear modalities for cooperation, including joint project design, regular information-sharing and consultations aligned with annual planning cycles. These mechanisms are expected to enhance coordination, reduce duplication and maximize the effectiveness of interventions.

While the agreement does not create legal or financial obligations, it provides a flexible platform to develop future joint initiatives and deepen collaboration with national institutions, private sector actors and development partners.

ILO Office for Türkiye and the Representation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Türkiye signed a new Letter of Understanding.

Türkiye hosts one of the largest refugee populations globally. In this context, expanding access to decent work is critical to strengthening self-reliance, supporting social cohesion and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

Through this strengthened partnership, ILO and UNHCR reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing decent work and creating more inclusive and resilient labour markets for all.