The Turkish Government is cracking down on migrants in the country as it seeks to deport 350 people including Gambians.

A Gambian in Turkey (name withheld) told Gambiana that the Turkish Government has recently taken a hardline stance against migrants.

“The Turkish Government is about to deport two million foreigners. They accused foreigns of terrorising one of it state call Esenyurt. 

“Last week, over 350 foreigners have been arrested including Gambians waiting for deportation,” he said. 

“If you are caught on the streets without residence permit you are arrested and secondly if they found out that you use the back way to Greece even with residence permit they deport you to your country,” he added. 

Turkey is a popular destination for Gambians and many have travelled there to further their education, seek medical care and for other business purposes. 

Since the beginning of 2022, Turkish authorities have deported over 28,000 irregular migrants from the country. 

This is a 70% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the country’s Migration Management Directorate. 

The directorate said Turkey deported 28,581 irregular migrants who illegally entered the country, violated visa and residency regulations, worked without permits, committed fraud and endangered public safety and security.

Turkey is a key transit point for migrants seeking to cross to the European Union to start new lives.

Gambiana has contacted the Turkish authorities for comment.