By the end of 2024, the number of people worldwide who had been “forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order” and had fled their countries stood at approximately 42.7 million, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Whether they are asylum seekers requesting temporary sanctuary or refugees who are unwilling to return to their countries of origin, forced migrants are people who haphazardly migrate to and strive to find safety in a new country.
While much attention focuses on their immediate needs, such as shelter, food, and security, many forced migrants are doing something remarkable: they’re starting businesses. For example, in Turkey, over 14,000 formal businesses owned or co-owned by Syrian forced migrants have been registered since the war in Syria began in 2011. By opening small restaurants, grocery stores and service providers, these entrepreneurs are working to rebuild their lives and contribute to their host communities.
However, building a business is often an uphill battle. Many forced migrant entrepreneurs face language barriers, discrimination and legal uncertainty. Yet, some manage to succeed. What makes the difference? Our recent research on Syrian forced migrant entrepreneurs in Turkey offers new insights. We point to the key factors that shape whether forced migrant businesses thrived or struggled. Understanding how these factors interact may reveal not only how to most effectively support forced migrant entrepreneurship but also how to ensure more inclusive societies.
