Turkish Authorities Deny Reports of Large Numbers of Illegal Immigrants

🇹🇷 Turkish authorities deny reports of large numbers of illegal immigrants

The Turkish Presidential Administration’s Disinformation Center has dismissed claims that a significant portion of foreign residents in the country are living illegally.

According to the center, the discrepancy between data from Turkstat (Turkish Statistical Institute) and the Ministry of Interior’s Migration Department is due to differences in counting methods.

📊 methodology mismatch – not missing migrants

Turkstat reported that by the end of 2025, over 1.5 million foreigners in Turkey held temporary residence permits (TRP). Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry stated that 1.1 million foreign nationals were legally residing in the country. These differences sparked social media posts, including statements from the opposition Victory Party leader Ümit Özdağ, claiming a “missing foreign population.”

The Disinformation Center clarified in an official statement:

“Claims circulating on social media about a 'missing foreign population' and a large number of unregistered foreigners are not true. The difference between Turkstat and the Migration Department figures stems from variations in data scope and methodology. Turkstat data, based on the Address-Based Population Registration System, covers all legally residing foreign nationals, including those with residence or work permits as well as those under international protection. Migration Department data only includes foreign nationals holding residence permits.”

⛔ no evidence of large unregistered foreign population

🌍 International cooperation against illegal migration

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the need for Turkey, Italy, and Libya to work together to combat illegal migration, highlighting that international cooperation is essential to managing migration flows.

🇹🇷🇮🇹🇱🇾 Turkey – Italy – Libya joint migration dialogue

📋 Data comparison (end 2025)

• Turkstat – 1.5 million+ with temporary residence permits (broader scope)
• Interior Min. – 1.1 million residence permit holders (narrow definition)
• Difference – explained by inclusion of work permits & intl. protection in TÜİK data

🗣️ Ümit Özdağ (Victory Party) alleged “missing foreign population” – denied by official center

“Fighting irregular migration requires close cooperation between origin, transit and destination countries. Turkey, Italy and Libya must continue joint efforts.”

📌 Address‑Based Population Registration System (ADNKS) vs. residence permits DB

© 2026 – Turkish Presidential Disinformation Center · statement dated february 2026

🌐 international migration management – priority for 2026