Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SERVICE RESEARCH, cilt.0, sa.0, 2025 (SSCI)
This qualitative study examines the experiences and challenges Afghan and Iraqi asylum seekers face in Türkiye’s citizenship process, along with the perspectives of professionals working in migration services. Through in-depth interviews with fifteen asylum seekers and seventeen non-governmental organization (NGO) professionals, the study identified five core themes related to asylum seekers’ motivations, socio-economic struggles, and the legal and bureaucratic barriers they encounter. While asylum seekers initially view Türkiye as a culturally familiar and safe destination, their aspirations for citizenship are hindered by legal uncertainties, inconsistent procedures, and fears of losing social benefits. Professionals emphasized the impact of Türkiye’s geographical reservation to the Geneva Convention, as well as the negative influence of media discourseand public opinion on the naturalization process. The findings highlight the need for transparent policies, standardized procedures, and stronger support systems to improve the integration and naturalization prospects for asylum seekers in Türkiye.