Verification of Syrian nationals under temporary protection

What is verification and why is my data being verified?

Verification is a process through which DGMM can update the data taken about you and your family during your initial registration with DGMM; it is also an opportunity for you to be given updated and useful information on the services and assistance that you’re entitled to in Turkey as a Syrian national holding temporary protection status.

Since your registration you may have had changes like new birth, death, marriage, departure from Turkey, or a change of address and contact information. This is a good chance for you to ensure that this information is updated. DGMM will verify data as part of their standard registration procedures to identify your needs, provide necessary information, and make referrals for your access to services (including education, healthcare, employment and assistance).

Why should I take an appointment to verify my/my family’s information and what happens if I don’t?

Ensuring that your data is updated by verifying it at the relevant PDMM office in the city of your residence is a responsibility that you need to fulfil in order for you and your family to continue to have access to services and assistance extended by Turkey. If you do not participate, DGMM may freeze your temporary protection status. This will put you in an illegal status and bar your access to rights, services and the available assistance.

You will receive a new temporary protection identity card (Kimlik) after your verification has been completed.

Where can I update/verify my data?

Please visit DGMM website here and select your city of residence to see the address of PDMM.

 Who will have access to the information in my file?

The data is protected pursuant to the Turkish Law on the protection of personal data.

Will I be resettled to a third country if I am verified?

Completing the verification process is not linked to resettlement to a third country. Verification of your data will facilitate the identification of persons with special needs, persons with vulnerabilities, and the needs of families.

If you fall under any of the following criteria, you must approach PDMM office in your city of residence as soon as possible and update your data:

1. Persons who still hold the black and white temporary protection ID card (Kimlik) (see examples of this Kimlik in the pictures above).
2. Persons with new Kimlik who have had changes in their bio-data that are not captured by PDMM (birth, death, marriage, divorce, change of address or contact information).
3. Persons whose special needs and vulnerabilities have changed or persons whose special needs and vulnerabilities have not been captured by PDMM at the time of initial registration or verification.

How frequent should I verify/update my data?

You are responsible to inform PDMM in your city every time there is a change affecting your civil status (birth, death, marriage, divorce); household composition; residence address; work or education status; contact information; and/or special needs.

 What if I am an asylum-seeker or refugee under international protection in Turkey and I am not Syrian, do I still have to approach PDMM to update/verify my data?

If there are changes in your bio-data that are not captured by PDMM such as new birth, death, marriage, divorce, change of address or contact information, you need to approach PDMM and inform them about these changes.

What if I am not a Syrian national but I am a refugee, stateless person or Palestinian from Syria who has been granted temporary protection status by DGMM, do I have to approach PDMM to update/verify my data?

Yes.

What if I am a Syrian but I am not registered with the Turkish government, or I have only completed my pre-registration procedure with the Turkish government at this point, do I still have to approach PDMM to update/verify my data?

No. Nevertheless, you should apply to PDMM and get registered if you have not been registered already.

How can I book an appointment for myself/my family?

There are three ways to book an appointment:

(1) You can approach the PDMM in your place of residence,
(2) You can book online at https://e-randevu.goc.gov.tr,
(3) You can book by calling the DGMM YIMER call centre at 157.

Exceptionally, due to possible technical difficulties, those holding a Kimlik starting with 98 are recommended to book their appointment at their nearest PDMM. This recommendation applies specifically to individuals holding a Temporary Protection ID/Foreign Identity Certificate.

It is sufficient for the head of the household or his/her spouse or an adult dependent to book an appointment through the three ways mentioned above. Do not send your children, a friend, or a relative to book an appointment on your behalf.

Do I book an appointment for verification in the city that I was registered in or residing in at the moment?

If you have moved from the city where you were registered, you can be verified in your new location; you do not need to go back to the city that you were registered in. During verification, make sure you provide your new address. If you have any form of proof of address, such as a rental contract or lease; electricity, water, gas bills; or address statement form from mukhtars, take it with you to confirm your new address. Make sure you bring all your supporting documents and official ID like your passport, national ID, Turkish temporary protection ID card (Kimlik), driver’s license, etc.

 What happens if I/my family do not obtain an appointment for verification?

Booking an appointment helps to ensure that the process at the PDMM goes smoothly for you and your family. Only a fixed number of people can be verified at each PDMM each day. If you show up without an appointment, it will not be possible to verify you that day and you’ll have to return to the centre another day. Save yourself time by booking an appointment beforehand, and come on the appointed date with all your family members. If you do not participate in verification, DGMM might freeze your temporary protection status. This will put you in an illegal status and bar your access to rights, services and the available assistance.

What documents should I bring to my verification interview?

 Please do not forget to bring with you all your supporting documents in Turkey and Syria such as your passport, family booklet, marriage certificate, Kimlik, driver’s license, diploma, student certificate, school report card as well as any form of document proving your address, such as a rental contract or lease; electricity, water, gas bills; or address statement form from mukhtars.

If you or any of your family members have a special need, please do not forget to bring relevant documents such as medical reports or disability reports from the Turkish doctor/hospital or the Syrian authorities when possible.

 What happens if I/my family obtain an appointment but for some reason we cannot show up to the appointment?

In this case, the head of household or his/her spouse or an adult dependent should renew the appointment through the three different ways listed on this page. You can book a maximum of three appointments; if you fail to show up to all three your access to rights and services may be restricted. Please attend your verification interview at the appointed date and verify your registration.

What happens if one or more of my family members cannot show up to the appointment but the rest of us can?

In this case, the individual(s) who were not able to show up should book another appointment. Please do not forget that you are only allowed to book a maximum of three appointments. If you do not show up to all three of these appointments, then your access to rights and services may be restricted.

What if I or one of my family members has a vulnerability such as a disability or medical condition that does not allow us to come to the verification centre?

If this is the case, approach the PDMM identified in your province and explain your situation to them; they will then advise you accordingly. Bring with you any supporting documents that will help your case such as medical reports from the Turkish doctor/hospital or a disability card from the Syrian authorities when possible. If no one from your family is able to commute to the centre to obtain an appointment, please inform the officials who will conduct the verification of your case and you will be referred to DGMM through them.

What is the difference between verification and the ESSN project (Kizilay cash card)?

Verification and the ESSN are separate. The ESSN is the Emergency Social Safety Net programme; it is implemented in partnership by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) and Turkish Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services. It delivers cash assistance to vulnerable people of concern under temporary protection or other form of international protection living outside of camps across Turkey. Assistance is delivered monthly to each family that is found eligible through the Kizilay card.

Will I receive the Kizilay cash card when I complete verification?

As outlined above, verification aims to update the information taken from you during your initial registration. Being verified is a responsibility which you must fulfil. Verification does not automatically make you eligible for the Kizilay cash card nor start the application for you. You will need to apply for the Kizilay cash card separately.

For more information on the Kizilay cash card, call the Kizilay call centre at 168.

For further information on verification, you can:

• Visit the DGMM’s online appointments website for the verification,
• Visit the websites of DGMM and UNHCR Turkey, and,
• Call the DGMM YIMER call centre at 157.