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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Dates

2019 - Present

Type of practice

Measuring/Data collection

Geographic scope

Summary

One of the most important measures in Turkey's fight against irregular migration is the cooperation developed with the source countries. In this context, cooperation steps are taken with Pakistan regarding the return of irregular immigrants of Pakistani nationality, who are among the top 10 nationalities among the irregular immigrants apprehended in our country. In this respect, the "Agreement on the Readmission of Unauthorized Residents" was signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 7 December 2010 in Ankara.

As it is known, one of the biggest difficulties in the execution of the return procedures of irregular immigrants is the proper identification of nationality. In order to overcome this difficulty, the use of biometric data, including fingerprints, of irregular immigrants is a method used in many countries. In this direction, there are two ways to share fingerprint data with Pakistani official authorities in determining the nationality of foreigners who are strongly suspected of being Pakistani nationals based on "Digital fingerprints or other biometric data" in the "Joint List of Documents to be Submitted as Evidence of Nationality" in the second annex of the aforementioned agreement. An electronic data sharing system was implemented between the countries in August 2019. Thanks to this system established between the Pakistan National Database and Registration Authority and Presidency of Migration Management, it is possible to determine the nationality and identity of foreigners who are considered to be Pakistani nationals, and then obtain travel documents within the framework of the agreements between the two countries and national legislation.

The operation of the said system is carried out in accordance with the Law on the Protection of Personal Data No. 6698 in the Turkish legislation. In addition, in Article 99 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, it says that; the collection, protection, storage and use of personal data belonging to foreigners, applicants and international protection status holders by our institution or governorships in accordance with the relevant legislation and international agreements to which it is a party is provided. In addition to all these, access to the system is only possible by certain personnel with a user name and password.

Organizations

Main Implementing Organization(s)

Government of Türkiye

Detailed Information

Presidency of Migration Management, Ministry of Interior

Benefit and Impact

Thanks to the electronic fingerprint system between Turkey and Pakistan, an effective nationality determination is possible in the fight against irregular migration, and a more effective process is operated in terms of time and human resources. In addition, the system is an element that increases digitalization in the fight against irregular migration and in Turkey's migration management in general, and allows to benefit more from electronic opportunities.

The beneficiary of the system, which has been used since August 2019, is Presidency of Migration Management, General Directorate of Combating Irregular Migration and Removal Affairs. In addition, the Department of Information Processing of Presidency of Migration Management is not a beneficiary, but is one of the stakeholders that serves the healthy functioning of the system.

The system provides great convenience in determining the nationality, which is one of the important components of the fight against irregular migration. Before the electronic system, these transactions of irregular immigrants who were considered to be Pakistani nationals but were unable to determine their nationality and identity information were carried out by the relevant Consular officers. These processes created ineffectiveness in terms of time usage as well as labor loss. With the introduction of the system, these problems have been eliminated and it has become possible to perform transactions based on data.

Verification and certification of foreigners' fingerprints through the system are affected by many factors such as the number of foreigners whose data are shared, the human resource capacity of the relevant country's authorities, and systemic problems.

Key Lessons

Although the system often allows for efficient cooperation and is based on the readmission agreement between Turkey and Pakistan, signing a document such as a standard application procedure or a joint statement of intent regarding the transactions to be carried out through this system is considered necessary for the standardization of business and transactions.

Technical malfunctions that may occur, albeit rarely, are among the elements that may disrupt the functioning of the system. However, in cases where the number of data subject to processing is high, disruptions may be possible depending on the human resource capacity. In order to overcome these difficulties, developing cooperation with the relevant country in a way that will allow for capacity building and supporting the relevant country in this field stand out as a solution element.

Recommendations(if the practice is to be replicated)

For countries that want to use/build a similar system, the most important issue to consider is whether the source country has an electronic database. In case of existence of this, it is considered that the procedures and principles should be determined after a legal arrangement with the relevant country is implemented. It is considered important for a good practice that regular meetings are held at certain intervals by the parties regarding the functioning of the system.

Innovation

- It is evaluated that there are no reservations regarding the sustainability of the system.
- It is considered that it may be possible to integrate the system with other electronic systems, to be designed to be implemented with other countries, or to be included in a system such as an electronic readmission case management system.
- It is possible to talk about the direct or indirect effects of the Covid-19 global epidemic in this area, as in all other areas.
- It is considered that the system can shed light on electronic integrations to be realized in other areas or allow it to be built as a part of integrated systems.

Date submitted:

31 January 2022

Disclaimer: The content of this practice reflects the views of the implementers and does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations, the United Nations Network on Migration, and its members.