Evaluation of immigration from Africa to Türkiye and its economic impacts: Case study of West African communities living in Türki̇ye

In this study, the primary aim is to conduct an exploratory investigation into the underlying causes and consequent effects of migratory movements of west African community to Türkiye, and to analyse the impacts of these movements on Türkiye's economic activities. The study seeks to elucidate the connections between migration flows and economic development, recognizing that the economic development is the greatest influencer on migratory movement. The research is structured in four key sections: the first section evaluates migration determinants through microeconomic and macroeconomic theoretical frameworks; the second section undertakes a comparative analysis between West African countries and Türkiye, utilizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators to uncover migration factors; The third section involves a comprehensive literature review focusing on the characteristics of migratory flows between Africa, with particular emphasis on West African countries, and Türkiye; and the final section examines the factors influencing and encouraging migration, using survey data as the primary source. Survey results indicate that economic and political motivations are predominant, with a majority of respondents citing limited employment and educational opportunities as the primary reasons for their migration to Türkiye. Additionally, the study identifies that migration is facilitated by networks formed between migrants and non-migrants, which play a crucial role in the aid process and in the economic and social integration within the host country.