Fresh refugee arrivals in Turkey renew anti-migrant sentiments

A growing number of Afghans are arriving in Turkey, putting pressure on Brussels-Ankara deal on migrants.

Istanbul, Turkey – When a mayor in Turkey’s northwest this week announced plans to charge “foreigners” 10 times more for water and waste services, his words were applauded by many across the country. Tanju Ozcan, mayor of Bolu from the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), later made clear which foreigners he was referring to – refugees whose presence has made Turkey home to the world’s largest refugee population. Doubling down on his remarks, Ozcan tweeted footage of his comments under the phrase “This hospitality has gone on too long.” He added that Turkey had “become a dump for migrants”.