The Role of Refugee Inflows in Agricultural Labor: Evidence from Farm Employer-Migrant Worker Relations in Isparta Province of Türkiye

This study investigates the integration of refugee labor into Isparta’s agricultural sector by examining refugee workers and farm employers simultaneously, offering a comprehensive perspective rarely found in literature. Although global and national research on refugee involvement in agricultural labor markets remains limited, this study contributes to filling this gap through survey-based evidence. Surveys with 50 refugee workers and 50 farm employers reveal that most refugees are young, have low educational levels, and work informally without social security. Refugees generally express satisfaction with wages and employer attitudes, yet long working hours, communication barriers, and limited occupational safety remain significant challenges. Employers primarily hire refugees due to labor shortages rather than cost advantages, indicating that refugee labor has become essential for sustaining agricultural production. The findings highlight the need for strengthening formalization, social protection policies, and training programs that involve both refugee workers and employers. Supporting legal regulations and improving working conditions are crucial steps in establishing a sustainable agricultural labor market and preventing future labor shortages.