Omar Atik

The study investigates into the motivations driving Syrian agricultural workers to migrate to Türkiye, attributing this movement to the prevalent conflict and economic instability in Syria, contrasting with Türkiye's perceived safety and abundant job opportunities in agriculture. Before the crisis, Syrian workers engaged in traditional farming activities in both countries, but post-crisis, they shifted towards similar agricultural tasks in Türkiye. Despite longer work hours and higher wages in Türkiye, many workers still struggle to meet their families' basic needs due to economic constraints. Various coping mechanisms are observed, including reliance on family support, and borrowing. While humanitarian aid plays a crucial role post-crisis, limited opportunities for additional employment persist in both countries. Despite challenges, the agricultural sector offers advantages such as seasonal employment and inclusivity, with women and multiple family members participating. Syrian workers in Türkiye contribute to increased agricultural productivity without requiring work permits, but their influx poses integration challenges for the host country. These findings shed light on the complex dynamics surrounding the experiences of Syrian agricultural workers in Türkiye, offering insights into refugee integration and labor market dynamics in the agricultural sector.