Turkey has recently been attracting increasing numbers of foreigners. During the past three years, the foreign population increased by approximately 90 000 people: while in 2010 there were 177 000 residence permit holders, in 2011 their number increased to 217 000 persons and by 2012 it reached 267 300 persons. Most residence permits were granted for the purposes of family reunification, a smaller share of permits was granted on the grounds of work or study. However, work-related permits have been increasing. In 2012 the Turkish authorities issued 32 250 work permits (an increase of 48% compared to the previous year), and 32 850 residence permits were granted to non-nationals as first or renewed permits for the purposes or work (nearly 30% more compared with 2011). In 2013, the number of work permits issued rose 42%, to 45 850.