Turkey eases work permit rules for Skilled Foreign Workers, details inside
New regulations extend work permit exemptions to 3 years
Turkey has taken a significant step to address its labour shortage by extending work permit exemptions for skilled foreign workers for three years.
Announced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and published in the official gazette, this change will benefit a wide range of professionals, including refugees, journalists, athletes, and individuals in high-demand sectors such as technology and culture.
The revised regulations are part of Turkey’s efforts to attract foreign talent and streamline processes for those who contribute significantly to the country’s economic and technological advancement.
What is the new Turkey Work Permit Exemption?
The new exemption rules allow refugees and skilled foreign workers to operate in Turkey without the need for a traditional work permit. Previously, such exemptions were granted for a maximum of six months. Now, this period has been extended to three years, offering more long-term stability for those professionals who are crucial to Turkey’s economy.
Skilled foreign workers contributing to areas such as technology, culture, and the economy will benefit the most. According to the Ministry, these exemptions aim to ease bureaucratic processes, enabling skilled workers to continue their work uninterrupted. The Interior Ministry will oversee the administration of these exemptions, ensuring that eligible workers remain compliant with legal regulations.
Which Foreign Workers benefit from these exemptions?
The scope of the new work permit exemption is broad, covering several categories of foreign workers:
Refugees and individuals under temporary protection: These individuals can now work in Turkey for specified durations without requiring a work permit.
- Skilled foreign workers: Professionals contributing significantly to the economy, culture, or technological advancements are eligible for a three-year exemption. This marks a considerable extension from the previous six-month limit.
- Journalists: Foreign journalists holding permanent press cards, approved by the Presidential Directorate of Communications, will be exempt from the work permit requirement during their stay in Turkey.
- Athletes: Professional athletes, coaches, and other sports professionals who have valid contracts with Turkish sports federations or clubs will no longer need to apply for work permits. This replaces the old "sports-related visa" system, further simplifying the process for those in the sporting industry.
How is the Application Process simplified?
One of the most significant changes to Türkiye’s work permit rules is the removal of the previous 30-day application limit. Foreign workers used to have only 30 days after entering Turkey to apply for an exemption. Now, under the new rules, they can apply for work permit exemptions at any point during their legal stay in the country.
This relaxation of rules is expected to reduce the administrative burden on both foreign workers and their employers. Skilled workers can now focus on their jobs without having to worry about frequent renewals, allowing them to contribute more effectively to Turkey’s economy.
Why is Turkey introducing these changes now?
Turkey is positioning itself as a hub for global talent, particularly in sectors such as technology, sports, and media. With other countries like Canada, New Zealand, and the United States tightening their immigration policies, Turkey is seizing the opportunity to attract skilled professionals.
Turkey’s Tech Visa Programme
In addition to the work permit exemptions, Turkey has launched a Tech Visa Programme. This initiative is designed to attract entrepreneurs and tech professionals by offering a three-year work permit under an accelerated process. According to Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Türkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology, the government aims to create 100,000 tech-driven start-ups by 2030, with at least 100 of them achieving valuations of over $1 billion.
"These initiatives are a win-win for us. We bring in expertise while growing our workforce by learning from the best in the field," said Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Labour and Social Security.
The government’s broader strategy includes the development of Terminal Istanbul, which is set to become the world’s largest technopark. This project is expected to reinforce Turkey’s position as a leader in the global tech industry.
For those looking for new opportunities in a country with a growing economy and a need for skilled workers, Turkey’s recent regulatory changes offer an appealing option.