The Ministry of Labor and Social Security made changes to the “International Labor Law Implementation Regulation” in order to increase the registration of foreigners in Turkey in working life and to facilitate the work permit exemption procedures for foreigners who will work in businesses, professions and sectors that will contribute to the development of Turkey.
The Regulation on Amendments to the International Labor Law Implementation Regulation entered into force after being published in the Official Gazette.
According to the statement made by the Ministry regarding the regulation change, the work permit exemption issued under the International Labor Law will not provide exemption to foreigners from the obligation to obtain a permit. However, there will be a different process regarding the application method and evaluation of the application, and ultimately a permit will be issued for foreigners.
Foreigners who are considered within the scope of work permit exemption include different groups such as those who will work in scientific, cultural, artistic and sports activities, academics, researchers, professionals who will work in oil and natural gas exploration and extraction activities, seafarers, professional athletes, tour operator representatives and interns.
With the regulation, those under temporary protection and foreigners with a humanitarian residence permit who are notified to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security by the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be able to work within the scope of work permit exemption. On the other hand, the Ministry will continue to carry out work permit processes for those from these groups who need to obtain a work permit.
– Foreign press members are also within the scope of work permit exemption
Foreign press members who came to Turkey within the scope of a permanent press card were also given the opportunity to work within the scope of work permit exemption, provided that the Directorate of Communications had the approval.
The aim of the regulation is to strengthen the Turkish brand by ensuring the qualified representation and promotion of Turkey in all fields with the international public and all means and methods of communication.
With the change, the maximum period of work permit exemption given to foreigners who are declared by the relevant public institutions and organizations to be able to provide significant services and contributions to Turkey in economic, socio-cultural and technological fields and education has been increased from 6 months to 3 years.
Provided that the Ministry of Youth and Sports or the Turkish Football Federation has the appropriate opinion, professional foreign athletes and coaches who come to Turkey and foreigners who are sports physicians, sports physiotherapists, sports mechanics, sports masseuses or masseuses and similar sports personnel have also been provided with a work permit exemption.
Calendar year will be taken as basis in calculating the duration of work permit exemptions for foreigners who will work as tour operator representatives.
In addition, with the regulation, the 30-day period threshold starting from the date of legal entry into Turkey, which is the period during which the foreigner can apply for work permit exemption, was removed and the foreigner was given the opportunity to apply for work permit exemption during his legal stay in Turkey.