Fleeing War, Fighting for Survival: Turkey’s Syrian Refugees Face New Struggles - Voice of America
Resources already were stretched. Now the coronavirus pandemic is forcing many refugees deeper into poverty. Shihad Bin Ali worked as a teacher in Syria but is now struggling to find work.
“No one is working. God should take this virus away; we live in a very difficult situation,” Ali told VOA. “Most of the Syrians were working as casual daily workers and because of this virus, the people are facing serious problems.”
The refugees are barred from traveling to other cities for work. Most don’t get any support from employers as they work illegally in the informal “black” economy. The Turkish government is giving financial support to its citizens, with cash payments of $140 per month and access to loans. Refugees don’t qualify for these programs – and say they are struggling to get by.
Refugees receive a prepaid cash card from the Turkish Red Crescent, funded partly by the European Union. It amounts to 120 Turkish liras, or 17 dollars a month. Jasim, from Deir-el-Zour in Syria, echoed the complaints of many refugees. “The money is just not enough for our expenses. The electricity bill is 400 liras, the water bill is 150 liras, and rent of the house is 1,100 liras,” he told VOA
#Covid-19#Turquie#Réfugiés-syriens#Précarité#Travailleur_migrant#Économie#Santé#Camp#migrant#migration
▻https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/fleeing-war-fighting-survival-turkeys-syrian-refugees-face-new-struggles