In a recent interview with the Anadolu Agency, the Directorate General of Migration Management head Atilla Toros disclosed that YIMER 157, the Foreigners Communication Centre, does not just function as an information service but it also acts as a support line for all emergencies such as victims of crimes, domestic violence, migrant smuggling as well as human trafficking.
YIMER 157 has been assisting and supporting those in critical emergencies and have been working closely alongside law enforcement agencies as well as police and coast guards.
The helpline has taken over a total of 23 million calls and operates in Turkish, English, Arabic, Persian and Russian. YIMER 157 has also received 9 international awards for its efforts and excellence in the emergency services sector.
Toros mentioned in the interview the increase in foreigners interested in Turkey and that as of this year there are a total of 1,104,353 foreigners with residence permits on grounds such as work, education, health and tourism and a total of 4,425,230 foreigners with legal rights and those who have sought refuge in Turkey. Back in 2023 a whopping total of 56,693,837 foreigners visited the country.
YIMER 157 has been operating since 2015 and since then it has rescued at total of 15,619.
Those in need of help can simply call and press option “1” which will then connect you directly to a member of the team.
There is also going to be a new protocol in the Higher Education Council in which international students can press option “2” to be connected directly.
Source: Daily Sabah / image vecteezy.com
