Regulations

Name and Headquarters of the Association

Article 1 – Name and Headquarters

The name of the association is “INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATION Association.”
Its international short name shall be referred to as “IMDO.”

The Association’s headquarters is located at: Ataşehir District, 2212 Sokak, No: 7/Floor: 3, No: 6, Elazığ.
The President is Fethi Ahmet Gel.

When necessary, the Association may establish representative offices, liaison offices, or branches both within the country and abroad, with the decision of the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors and Deputy Chairpersons may reside abroad.

By decision of the Board of Directors, Association members may also establish representative or liaison offices abroad. The address of each representative office shall be notified in writing to the local administrative authority by the representative(s) designated by decision of the Board of Directors. Representative offices shall not be represented at the Association’s General Assembly.

Purpose of the Association, Activities, Methods, and Field of Activity

Article 2 – Purpose of the Association

Labor migration from Harput and its surroundings to America began in the 1850s during the Ottoman Empire, leading to the formation of a Turkish community in America. Today, new waves of irregular and mass migration are driven by wars, the collapse of social life in home countries, insecurity, reduced production and consumption, and economic insufficiencies.

Against this background, the Association aims to:

Assist countries such as Turkey, European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which are compelled to accept these migrations,
Support their economic, social, political, societal, and cultural structures,
Assist the United Nations and other international organizations, embassies, and consulates.

The Association also seeks to help manage irregular migration movements in destination countries by taking into account migrants’ age, gender, skills, and educational status. Its objectives are to:

Ensure migrants’ integration into society through identity unification,
Promote economic growth by increasing both productivity and labor efficiency,
Develop qualified migrants who can adapt to the labor market,
Increase employment opportunities and entrepreneurship,
Encourage migrants to fill positions in areas that local workers do not prefer, thereby complementing rather than substituting the local workforce,
Organize structures in needed areas to prevent the concentration of migrants in specific sectors.

The Association further aims to:

Become one of the actors in the global migration governance system before the states of the world,
Reduce the pressure of international migration on economic and social development through civil society initiatives,
Encourage high-income individuals, businesses, and markets to contribute positively through migration,
Assist migrants and destination countries in areas such as citizenship by investment, real estate, company establishment, fund management, economic opportunities, business expansion, innovation and R&D, corporate services,
Cooperate with national and international organizations in the fight against human smuggling and trafficking.

Additionally, IMDO is dedicated to protecting, valuing, and transferring to future generations the “diverse cultural heritage” created over thousands of years of civilization, ensuring cultural continuity within a sustainable development model, under the slogan of International Socio-Economic and Cultural Lobbying.

IMDO is an independent organization operating in the fields of regional, national, and international lobbying, economics, law, social sciences, and strategic studies.

The Association aims to meet the need for impartial, accurate, and reliable information for public opinion in Turkey, its surrounding regions, and countries across Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and worldwide. In this framework, it voluntarily responds to the requests of states, the United Nations, the World Bank, the IMF, and other national and international organizations and institutions.

One of IMDO’s primary objectives is to foster development by mobilizing local, national, and international resources, organizations, and institutions in line with the principles of efficiency and productivity.

IMDO seeks to contribute globally by producing knowledge and conducting lobbying activities in the fields of economics, development, migration, and culture—with particular focus on Turkey, Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand—while building and maintaining cooperation for these purposes. It may also become a member of national and international legal institutions and organizations, in accordance with its charter.

The Association follows the model of a “Global Umbrella Lobbying Organization” and conducts its activities on five complementary foundations:

Cultural Heritage
- Treat cultural heritage as a driver of regional development in its social, cultural, educational, economic, and employment dimensions.
- Develop, research, and implement projects for the use of cultural heritage in national development.
- Cooperate with ministries, universities, local governments, NGOs, and local communities.
- Support restoration, renovation, and promotional activities of cultural sites, and develop tourism types such as cultural, faith, eco-tourism, and youth tourism.
- Develop handicrafts, regional cuisine, folk art, and organize exhibitions, festivals, and training programs to sustain cultural heritage across generations.
- Promote intercultural dialogue through cooperation in culture and arts.
Economy
- Develop strategies to improve the socio-economic and cultural level of migrant life.
- Provide free consultancy on trade, finance, and investment for SMEs.
- Identify suitable development environments and visionary projects for investors.
- Support entrepreneurship, innovation, and adaptation of migrant labor to digital transformation.
- Offer consultancy on international banking, foreign trade, and investment opportunities.
Research, Analysis, and Report Preparation
- Produce accurate and timely information for states and international organizations, preventing misinformation and data overload.
- Publish reports, provide media statements, and collaborate with institutions both nationally and internationally.
- Develop projects in cooperation with universities, business organizations, and research institutions.
Conferences and Publishing
- Organize scientific and professional conferences, seminars, workshops, Business Development Centers, and Vocational Training Centers.
- Publish periodicals, reports, and scientific papers by experts in relevant fields.
Human Resources Development
- Enhance the knowledge and skills of young people in migrant-receiving regions, prioritizing information technologies and advanced industries.
- Promote cooperation with business, universities, and civil society to develop the labor force, especially youth and women.
- Conduct research to assess socio-demographic changes, identify cultural heritage, and support sustainable development in migrant-receiving countries.

Article 4 – Sustainable Development

IMDO’s primary goal is to eliminate the development gap between migrant-receiving countries and other nations by raising the income level and living standards of refugees, asylum seekers, and war victims in these countries. IMDO contributes to national development goals such as social stability and economic growth by increasing productivity, employment, and investment opportunities. It operates as an International Migration and Development Organization center adopting a multi-sectoral, integrated, and sustainable development approach.

IMDO seeks to establish regional migration development models in line with processes of global change and development, aiming to achieve these objectives through civil society organizations. The creation of an environment of unity and solidarity in migration and development is adopted as its fundamental principle.

In this framework, IMDO undertakes the following:

Producing projects to identify, evaluate, and activate the economic potential of countries by utilizing refugee investors and labor,
Preparing and implementing educational programs for refugees living in rural areas, developing income-generating projects such as local handicrafts,
Supporting the development of modern agriculture in irrigated areas, promoting alternative products demanded in the global market,
Designing projects for areas outside irrigated agriculture to establish regional socio-economic integrity,
Identifying the problems of rural populations, offering solutions, and supporting their organization through cooperatives and unions,
Raising literacy levels among women in rural areas and enabling their participation in income-generating activities,
Developing projects that integrate migrant populations into other regions within a sustainable development model,
Supporting agriculture, industry, and services sectors in a complementary and holistic manner,
Organizing panels, conferences, congresses, and projects to promote this understanding.

Article 5 – Education

IMDO aims to provide voluntary services and aid programs to enhance performance, ensure continuous and healthy growth, and align the employment potential of migrant populations with today’s competitive environment and technological developments.

This includes:

Covering resource planning needs, supporting managers in strategic decision-making processes, and ensuring the provision of education, consultancy, and research services,
Increasing employment opportunities in high-migration regions, diversifying income-generating activities, encouraging entrepreneurship, and prioritizing job creation through conferences and training programs,
Providing vocational education and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities to support their employment or self-employment,
Offering training programs in agriculture and livestock—particularly for young people and women in high-migration regions—enabling them to establish businesses and achieve economic empowerment,
Organizing courses, seminars, and conferences in livestock management (cattle, dairy farming, herd management), while cooperating with national and international institutions on animal health,
Supporting livestock development through education, projects, and practices,
Designing alternative education programs tailored to the needs of modern society, forming scientific and advisory boards, and organizing workshops,
Promoting awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of current education systems and offering alternative solutions,
Developing educational approaches that respect ecology, diversity, creativity, equal opportunity, and the unity of mind and body,
Providing inclusive education models that meet the diverse needs of migrant populations of all ages.

Subjects and Forms of Work

The Association conducts the following to strengthen regional, national, and international advocacy and social unity:

Supporting agricultural activities that increase migrants’ income,
Supporting livestock activities that increase migrants’ income,
Developing irrigated agriculture to increase income,
Ensuring sustainable use of forests, pastures, rivers, and ponds,
Supporting breeding and improvement studies,
Financially supporting producers’ associations,
Promoting eco-agriculture,
Protecting agricultural lands and supporting erosion-prevention studies,
Developing freshwater and marine fishing,
Supporting handicrafts and home arts,
Organizing training activities (courses, seminars, conferences, panels),
Collecting information, establishing documentation centers, publishing newspapers, journals, books, and newsletters,
Procuring technical equipment, fixtures, and materials, organizing fundraising activities, and accepting donations,
Establishing commercial enterprises to generate income for Association activities,
Opening local centers and cultural facilities for migrants,
Organizing cultural and social events (dinners, concerts, exhibitions, sports, trips, etc.) to strengthen social cohesion,
Purchasing, selling, leasing, or renting movable and immovable property, and establishing property rights,
Establishing federations or confederations, joining existing ones, opening liaison offices or branches abroad, and conducting media or TV broadcasting,
Engaging in international activities, joining foreign associations and organizations, and carrying out joint projects,
Conducting joint projects with public institutions, in compliance with Law No. 5072,
Creating platforms with other associations, unions, and civil society organizations to achieve common objectives.

Article 6 – Association’s Field of Activity

The Association operates in the fields of education, culture and arts, economic and social development, trade, industry, employment, investment, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and livestock. It conducts regional, national, and international analyses; establishes international partnerships for migration, labor, remittances, and development; obtains necessary permits for employment and investment of migrant labor in host countries; and facilitates individual work permits in public institutions where required.

Article 7 – Right to Membership and Membership Procedures

Eligibility: Any natural or legal person with legal capacity who adopts the aims and principles of the Association, agrees to work accordingly, and meets the conditions set by law may become a member. Foreign nationals must have residence rights in Turkey or abroad (this does not apply to honorary members).
Application: Membership applications must be submitted in writing to the Association’s Presidency. The Board of Directors decides on acceptance or rejection within 30 days and informs the applicant in writing. Accepted members are recorded in the membership register.
Types of Members:
- Principal Members: Founders and those admitted by the Board of Directors,
- Honorary Members: Persons who have provided significant material or moral contributions, admitted by Board decision.

Article 8 – Resignation from Membership

Any member may resign by submitting a written notice. Resignation takes effect once the notice is received by the Board of Directors. Resignation does not absolve the member of outstanding financial obligations to the Association.

Article 9 – Expulsion from Membership

A member may be expelled by Board decision if they:

Act contrary to the bylaws,
Continuously avoid assigned duties,
Fail to pay membership dues within six months despite reminders,
Fail to comply with Association decisions,
Lose eligibility requirements for membership.

Expelled or resigned members are removed from the membership register and cannot claim rights over Association assets.

Article 10 – Bodies of the Association

The bodies of the Association are:

General Assembly,
Board of Directors,
Audit Board.

Certificate of Authorization

Persons authorized to collect income on behalf of the Association shall be designated by a Board of Directors resolution, which specifies the duration of their authority. A Certificate of Authorization (as provided in Annex-19 of the Associations Regulation), containing the full identity information, signature, and photograph of the authorized person, shall be prepared in three copies by the Association and signed by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

Copies of the certificate shall be submitted to the relevant associations unit. Any changes related to the certificate must be reported to the associations unit by the Chairperson within fifteen (15) days.

Authorized persons may begin collecting income only after a copy of their Certificate of Authorization has been submitted to the associations unit. The use, renewal, return, and other aspects of the certificate shall follow the provisions of the Associations Regulation.

Retention Period of Income and Expense Documents

Except for books, all receipts, expense documents, and other financial records of the Association shall be kept for five (5) years in chronological order, unless a longer retention period is required under special laws.

Article 15 – Declaration Submission

The Association Declaration (Annex-21 of the Associations Regulation), which includes the results of the Association’s activities and its income–expense transactions for the previous year, must be prepared by the Board of Directors and submitted by the President of the Association to the local administrative authority within the first four (4) months of each calendar year.

Article 16 – Notification Obligation

Notifications to be made to the local administrative authority include the following:

General Assembly Results Notification
- Within thirty (30) days following ordinary or extraordinary general assembly meetings, the General Assembly Results Notification (Annex-3 of the Associations Regulation), listing the principal and substitute members elected to the Board of Directors, Audit Board, and other bodies, shall be submitted by the President.
- Attachments:
  - Copy of the general assembly meeting minutes signed by the chairperson, vice-chairpersons, and secretary,
  - If a charter amendment has been made, copies of both the old and amended articles, together with a copy of the full, updated charter signed on each page by the Board of Directors.
Notification of Real Estate
- Real estate acquired by the Association must be reported to the local administrative authority within thirty (30) days of its registration in the land registry, using the Real Estate Notification Form (Annex-26).
Notification of Receiving Aid from Abroad
- If the Association intends to receive aid from abroad, the Notification of Receiving Aid from Abroad Form (Annex-4) must be completed in duplicate and submitted before receiving the aid.
- A copy of the Board resolution approving the acceptance of aid, together with any protocols, agreements, and the bank receipt or transfer statement, must be attached.
- Monetary aid must be received through banks, and the notification requirement must be fulfilled before the funds are used.
Notification Regarding Joint Projects with Public Institutions
- For joint projects carried out with public institutions, the Project Notification Form (Annex-23) and copies of the protocol and project must be submitted to the governor’s office within one (1) month of the protocol date.
Notification of Changes
- Changes in the Association’s address must be reported using the Address Change Notification Form (Annex-24).
- Changes in the Association’s organs outside of a general assembly must be reported using the Change in Association Organs Notification Form (Annex-25) within thirty (30) days.
- Charter amendments must also be reported to the local administrative authority within thirty (30) days, attached to the General Assembly Results Notification.

Article 17 – Internal Auditing

Internal audits of the Association may be carried out by the General Assembly, the Board of Directors, or the Audit Board. Independent auditing firms may also be engaged.

The Audit Board is required to conduct at least one (1) audit annually. Additional audits may be performed by the General Assembly, the Board of Directors, or independent auditors as deemed necessary.

Audits conducted by the General Assembly, Board of Directors, or independent auditors do not remove the statutory obligation of the Audit Board.

Article 18 – Borrowing Procedures

If necessary to achieve its objectives and carry out activities, the Association may borrow funds upon resolution of the Board of Directors. Borrowing may take the form of cash loans or credit-based purchases of goods and services.

Such borrowing shall not exceed the Association’s income sources nor place the Association in financial difficulty.

Article 19 – Procedure for Amending the Charter

Amendments to the charter may be made by the General Assembly.

A two-thirds (2/3) majority of members entitled to attend is required to place the amendment on the agenda.
If quorum is not met and the meeting is postponed, no quorum shall be required at the second meeting. However, the number of attendees must be at least twice the total number of Board of Directors and Audit Board members.
To adopt the amendment, a two-thirds (2/3) majority of votes from attending members is required.
Voting shall be conducted openly.

Article 20 – Dissolution of the Association and Liquidation of Assets

The General Assembly may resolve to dissolve the Association at any time.

For the dissolution decision, a two-thirds (2/3) majority of members entitled to attend the General Assembly is required.
If quorum is not met and the meeting is postponed, no quorum is required at the second meeting. However, the number of attendees must be at least twice the total number of Board of Directors and Audit Board members.
Dissolution requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of attending members. Voting shall be conducted openly.

Liquidation Procedures:

Upon dissolution, liquidation of the Association’s assets, funds, and rights shall be carried out by a Liquidation Board composed of the last members of the Board of Directors.
During liquidation, all transactions must be conducted under the title: “In Liquidation: International Migration and Development Organization Association.”
The Liquidation Board is responsible for:
- Reviewing and recording all accounts, ledgers, receipts, title deeds, and bank records,
- Notifying creditors and paying debts,
- Collecting receivables,
- Converting assets into cash and settling obligations.
Any remaining funds and assets shall be transferred to the organization designated by the General Assembly. If no such organization is designated, they shall be transferred to the association in the same province with the most similar purpose and largest membership.
The liquidation process must be completed within three (3) months, unless extended by the local administrative authority for valid reasons.
A liquidation report must be submitted to the local administrative authority within seven (7) days of completion.
Books and records must be preserved for five (5) years by the last Board of Directors or a designated member.

Article 21 – Lack of Provision

In matters not specified in this charter, the provisions of the Law on Associations, the Turkish Civil Code, the Associations Regulation, and other applicable legislation shall apply.

Provisional Article 1 – Temporary Board of Directors

Until the Association’s bodies are formally established at the first General Assembly, the Temporary Board of Directors listed below shall represent the Association and perform all necessary duties and transactions.