Turkish parliament commission passes draft amending foreign employment rules

A draft bill changing regulations to foreign employment was accepted by Turkish parliament’s Health, Family, Labor and Social Affairs Commission on June 28, as part of a bid to improve the investment climate in Turkey, Hurriyet Daily News writes.

The draft stipulates which methods, policies, responsibilities, rights and obligations will be operative in terms of offering work permits to foreign employees, Reuters reported. 

In line with the draft law, the Labor and Social Security Ministry will launch a system to receive, assess and monitor foreign employment demands across the country. 

After the draft is passed by parliament, the Labor Ministry will take on sole responsibility for dealing with work permits for foreigners. Up to now it has been dealt with by two different ministries.

Foreigners who do not have a work permit offered in line with the law cannot work or be hired in Turkey. 

According to the draft bill, foreigners who have long-term residence permits or legal work permits of at least eight years will be able to apply for permanent work permits. Work permits or exemptions for work permits will also be effective as a residence permit.