YİMER 157 Call Center Saves Over 15,000 Lives and Answers 20 Million Calls
The YİMER 157 Call Center, operating under the Ministry of Interior’s Directorate General of Migration Management, continues to provide accurate, swift, and reliable responses to all questions from foreigners in Turkey, especially international students. YİMER 157, which has handled 20 million calls to date, has facilitated the rescue of 15,552 lives.
Serving in Five Languages
Established on August 20, 2015, the Foreign Communication Center (YİMER) offers services in five languages: Turkish, English, Arabic, Russian, and Persian. Operating as an information hotline on weekdays from 08:00 to 18:00, YİMER 157 provides answers to queries related to visas, residence permits, international protection, and temporary protection as per the legislation under the Directorate General of Migration Management.
YİMER 157’s Life-Saving Impact
YİMER 157 also functions as an emergency hotline, offering 24/7 assistance. Those who call YİMER 157 and press 1 can quickly reach emergency services. By handling 20 million calls so far, YİMER 157 has facilitated the rescue of 15,552 individuals involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Easy Access to Accurate Information for International Students
YİMER 157 Call Center provides swift and accurate information to international students regarding residence permit procedures. Following a protocol signed between the Directorate General of Migration Management and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) on November 29, 2023, a modification in the YİMER 157 voice response system was implemented, enabling international students to directly connect with foreign representatives by pressing 2 when they call YİMER 157. This change was made to prevent any potential issues arising from lack of information and to ensure international students can quickly access accurate and reliable information.
International students reach out to YİMER 157 for information on school registration processes, student residence permit application processes and outcomes, graduation procedures, and notification obligations.
YİMER 157 Awarded 8 International Accolades
The YİMER 157 Call Center has received eight international awards in the “Best Emergency Services” category from the World Call Centers Competition and the European Call Center Competition.
Besides voice calls, YİMER 157 also responds to inquiries via web chat (https://yimer.gov.tr/chat.html), email (webyimer@goc.gov.tr), and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).