This paper is on migration and migration policy transition of Turkey. The focus is on the Turkish National Development Plans from the 1960s until today and the socio-political and economic context. We identify three distinct periods. The first period of the 1960s is characterized by an explicit support of out-migration to reduce population pressure and on remittances to promote economic growth. The second period from the 1970s to 2000 is marked by diaspora policies of Turkey relative to Europe, thereby acknowledging the role of the Turkish diaspora in the promotion of Turkish economic development and international relations. Since the year of 2000, Turkish migration policy turned to the promotion of highly skilled immigration, aiming at the promotion of technological progress towards a knowledge society with the support of intellectual elites. The policy transition towards the promotion of highly skilled immigration goes hand in hand with institutional and legal changes, which we specify.
The economic linkage of Turkey with Europe is marked by substantial labour flows and comparatively small investment and trade flows. In the late 1990s, a new stage of economic development has been reached. The rapidly growing Turkish economy is in need of skilled personnel, attracting largely second generation migrants of Turkish descent. At the same time the growth rate of commodity trade lost momentum, as skill shortages put a break on the economic growth potential of Turkey. The onset of reciprocal migration flows may be linked to the relocation of low tech production from Europe to Turkey, leading to rising intra-country trade. The direct linkage between migration and trade is, however, muted by the endogenous migration dynamics resulting from family reunion.
In the wake of globalisation, certain ILO Conventions have assumed greater prominence in recent years. This paper focuses on ILO principles related to trade union rights and collective bargaining embodied in ILO Conventions No. 87 and No. 98. It is argued that some countries have enacted legislation and tolerated industrial behaviour incompatible with these standards. In the absence of effective international enforcement powers, governments in some countries have ignored the requests of the ILO for adherence to its principles with impunity. This issue is discussed in connection primarily with recent Australian experience and with brief observations on that of a number of English-speaking countries. The policy and practices of these countries on Conventions 87 and 98 are contrasted with those of the continental EU countries. Finally, the question is raised as to whether some of the ILO?s principles underlying these Conventions need to be re-examined.
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