Understanding the NEET experiences of Syrian skilled immigrant young women: A qualitative study in Türkiye

This study explores the experiences of university-educated young Syrian women in southeastern Türkiye, which has the highest NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rate in Europe, according to OECD data, as well as the highest NEET and immigrant rates. The thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 14 participants revealed four interrelated challenges: (a) barriers to public sector employment, barriers to employment in the private sector, and restrictions on mobility; (b) social obstacles involving prejudice, ethnic discrimination, and exclusion; (c) gender-related challenges stemming from patriarchal expectations surrounding marriage, invisible domestic responsibilities, and male preference in hiring; and (d) psychosocial outcomes of being labeled NEET, including reduced motivation, alienation, and social isolation. This study, which addresses NEET status as a structural cause of skill loss and brain waste among educated migrant women, advances the discussion on intersectionality while emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions.