‘I am a maths teacher with twenty years’ experience, but no Syrian schools in Istanbul will hire me.’ Ali arrived from Syria with $6,000. Unable to find a teaching job in Turkey, he now works 11-hour days, six days a week, for 1,000 Turkish lira. He pays 800 lira rent, and 200 lira utilities. To get by, his two sons, 12 and 14, work 11-hour days in a sweatshop where they earn 500 Turkish lira each per month. ‘I don’t want to be rich,’ he said, ‘but I’ve lost hope.’ All that is left of Ali’s life savings is 50 Turkish lira. 85% of Syrians in Turkey living outside refugee camps try to join the unofficial workforce due to lack of work permits. Turkish employers take advantage of low-cost refugee labourers who earn half the normal wages. ‘The salary is not enough but it’s better than nothing.’ Ali said.