Syrian Entrepreneurs Thrive in Turkey Despite Significant Hurdles

As of the end of 2024, approximately 42.7 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced due to persecution and conflict, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Among them, many Syrian forced migrants in Turkey are not just surviving but also thriving by establishing businesses. Since the onset of the Syrian war in 2011, over 14,000 formal businesses have been registered as owned or co-owned by these migrants. This entrepreneurial spirit highlights the resilience and determination of individuals striving to rebuild their lives in a new country.

Despite these achievements, the journey to entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges. Many of these entrepreneurs confront significant barriers, including language difficulties, discrimination, and legal uncertainties. Understanding the factors that contribute to their success offers valuable insights into how societies can better support forced migrant entrepreneurship, ultimately fostering more inclusive communities.

Key Factors Influencing Business Success

The decision to start a business often arises from necessity. Many forced migrants face obstacles in securing regular employment due to unrecognized qualifications or bias against them. Our recent study, which surveyed 170 Syrian forced migrant entrepreneurs, revealed that success in business is not solely dependent on skills or financial resources but also on the entrepreneurs’ sense of belonging within the host society.

Those who cultivated a strong host country identity—characterized by an emotional and mental connection to Turkey—were more adept at tailoring their businesses to meet local demands. This connection was a significant predictor of their financial and customer performance. Entrepreneurs with a solid sense of belonging tended to adapt their services and build lasting relationships with local clients, thereby enhancing their competitive edge.

Language proficiency emerged as a critical factor in establishing this identity. Our research indicated that forced migrants confident in their ability to communicate in Turkish felt more integrated into local markets, which helped their businesses to flourish. Conversely, experiences of discrimination, such as being treated unfairly by customers or landlords, often eroded their sense of belonging, hampering their business success.

The Importance of Legal Protections

Legal status also plays a crucial role in the entrepreneurial landscape for Syrian migrants in Turkey. They are granted “temporary protection” status, which directly impacts their ability to access capital and operate formal businesses. However, this protection is not uniformly granted, leading to disparities among migrants. Our findings emphasized that those who received legal protection promptly upon arrival experienced fewer discriminatory attitudes, fostering a sense of security and inclusion.

In contrast, migrants who faced delays in obtaining legal status often reported heightened feelings of exclusion, which contributed to their struggles in the business environment. Even when they eventually secured legal protection, the damage to their sense of belonging had often already taken its toll, creating long-lasting challenges that policies rarely address.

The implications of these findings extend beyond individual entrepreneurs. When forced migrant businesses succeed, they contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, paying taxes, and introducing new ideas. Conversely, when barriers such as language difficulties and discrimination persist, both the migrants and the host communities miss out on potential economic benefits.

This situation raises a broader social justice issue. Forced migrants did not choose their circumstances; many have lost everything. Despite these hardships, they seek to contribute positively to their host countries. It is imperative to address the barriers obstructing their integration.

Policymakers and civil society can take several actionable steps to facilitate the success of forced migrant entrepreneurs. Ensuring timely legal protection is essential. Fast-tracking legal status can empower migrants to plan their lives and businesses with greater confidence. Additionally, investing in language support programs enables migrants to engage more fully in the economy and local culture. Combating discrimination through public education can also reshape negative perceptions and foster more inclusive communities.

An example of successful intervention is the Fast Track initiative in Sweden, which focused on language acquisition and workplace integration. According to a report for the Nordic Council of Ministers, this initiative led to the creation of 83 new businesses by newly arrived entrepreneurs, showcasing the potential impact of targeted support.

As forced migration continues to shape global dynamics, countries must move beyond temporary aid and create pathways for belonging. Recognizing the contributions of forced migrant entrepreneurs is essential for integrating newcomers and enhancing economic growth. By dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity, societies can harness the full potential of all individuals striving for a better life.