Trapped in the underground economy: Syrian refugees in the informal labour market in Turkey

Figures & data

Table 1. Summary of factors driving Syrians into the informal labour market.

Actors	Factors behind informal work
Turkish authorities	Legal obstacles: Having to wait six months after registration Not possible to change the place of registration Not possible to register in the desired location Work permits valid only at one workplace
Employers	Unwilling to apply for work permits in order to lower labour costs
Syrian workers	Want to retain humanitarian aid Prefer to receive a gross salary Easier to balance home responsibilities and work Unfamiliarity with the labour regulation (eg language barrier)
Syrian employers	Too costly to set up and run a formal business Want to hire fellow Syrians Fear of deportation