Based on a decision issued on October 15, 2024, and published in the Turkish Official Gazette, new amendments were announced to the implementing regulation of International Labor Law No. 31738. These amendments aim to simplify the employment process for foreigners and boost the local economy by organizing the labor market.
The amendments focus on improving conditions for individuals under temporary protection and humanitarian residence, reducing the rate of unregistered labor, and encouraging the recruitment of highly qualified foreigners.
Key Amendments:
New Facilities for Foreigners under Temporary Protection and Humanitarian Residence
Foreigners holding temporary protection or humanitarian residence are now allowed to work without a work permit, provided that the relevant authorities in the Directorate of Migration Management are notified.
An exemption certificate from the work permit is issued through the Turkish government’s electronic system (e-Devlet), making it easier for employers to register these individuals in social security under the same procedures applied to Turkish citizens.
Facilitating Journalistic Work for Foreigners
The amendments included facilitations for foreign journalists holding permanent press cards, exempting them from additional work permits. This decision helps promote press freedom and reduce administrative burdens on foreign journalists residing in Türkiye.
Extension of Work Permit Exemption Period in Vital Sectors
The exemption period from work permits for foreigners working in high value-added sectors such as the economy, culture, education, and technology has been extended from six months to three years. This step encourages the attraction of specialized talent and investors in technical and cultural fields.
Abolition of the Sports Visa Requirement
The requirement for a “sports visa” for foreign athletes has been abolished. Now, it is sufficient to obtain approval from the Ministry of Youth and Sports or the relevant Turkish sports federation, facilitating the integration of athletes into Turkish clubs.
“TÜRKİYE TECH VISA” Program to Attract Tech Talent
The Ministry of Labor launched the “TÜRKİYE TECH VISA” program to attract experts and entrepreneurs in the fields of technology and innovation.
This program aims to facilitate long-term residence and work permits for foreign technology specialists, thereby strengthening Türkiye’s innovative ecosystem.
New Standards for Evaluating Work Permits
The Directorate General of International Workforce announced new standards for evaluating work permits, which came into effect on October 1, 2024. These standards include:
- Exemptions for Certain Categories of Foreigners:
This includes foreigners with family ties to Turkish citizens, such as spouses or children, as well as individuals holding humanitarian residence permits. - Company Employment Requirements:
Large companies with annual sales exceeding 50 million Turkish Lira are exempted from the requirement to employ five Turkish citizens for each foreign worker. This amendment helps encourage foreign investments and supports the employment of foreign experts in Türkiye.
Enhancing the Role of the Syrian Businessmen Association (SURIAD)
Within the framework of these amendments, the Syrian Businessmen Association (SURIAD) continues its efforts to support Syrians residing in Türkiye. The association aims to assist its members through consultations and guidance in facilitating work permit procedures, while encouraging cooperation with Turkish governmental institutions to promote social and economic integration.
These amendments are part of Türkiye’s vision to improve the regulation of foreign labor and simplify the necessary procedures, thereby strengthening the balance between the interests of foreigners and the local labor market.
“Together We Work… Together We Grow.”
#SURIAD #Syrian_Businessmen_Association #Supporting_Foreign_Workforce #Turkish_Economy #Syrian_Workforce
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