To enhance social protection for Syrian workers... A labor meeting between Syria and Turkey.

The President of the General Federation of Trade Unions in Syria, Fawaz Al-Ahmad, met with the President of the Turkish Labor Union "HAK-İŞ," Mahmoud Arslan, on Monday, within the framework of the 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade union cooperation, issues related to Syrian workers in Turkey, especially in terms of strengthening social protection and ensuring their rights in the Turkish labor market.

They also emphasized the importance of joint coordination to create suitable conditions for the return of Syrian refugees, in a vision that considers the humanitarian and social dimensions and serves the interests of both countries.

This meeting comes in the context of efforts made at both the trade union and international levels to support Syrian workers, enable them to access their basic rights, and facilitate their safe integration into work communities.

Both sides discussed the ongoing preparations to ensure the success of the workshop organized by the International Labour Organization in Damascus on June 22, 2025, which will include representatives from the three parties of labor - the government, employers, and workers - from Syria and neighboring countries. They also stressed the importance of joint efforts to make this workshop a significant step towards the recovery of the Syrian labor market and the enhancement of stability in the region.

This workshop aims to develop regional mechanisms for social protection, coordinate responses to the labor market, and enhance decent work opportunities amidst current challenges.