Turkey has introduced a new set of regulations aimed at addressing its growing labour shortages by attracting skilled foreign workers. The regulations, published in the Official Gazette, include temporary work permit exemptions for up to three years, benefiting foreign workers who contribute to the Turkish economy.
Key Beneficiaries of the Exemptions
Several categories of foreign workers will benefit from these exemptions. Refugees and individuals under temporary protection can work in Turkey without needing a permit for specified durations. Additionally, skilled foreign workers contributing to the nation’s economy, culture, or technology will receive extended work permit exemptions, increasing from the previous six-month limit to three years.
The Interior Ministry will determine the duration of these exemptions for individuals registered under the Foreign Application, Evaluation, and Monitoring System, assessing cases on an individual basis.
Impact on Journalists and Athletes
Foreign journalists holding permanent press cards, approved by Turkey’s Presidential Directorate of Communications, will also be exempt from work permit applications during their stay. Similarly, professional athletes, coaches, and other sports personnel with valid contracts from Turkish clubs will no longer need to seek work permits, streamlining processes for sports professionals.
Simplified Application Process
The updated regulations simplify the application process for foreign nationals. Previously, workers had a 30-day window to apply for permit exemptions after arriving in Turkey. Now, they can apply at any point during their legal stay, enhancing flexibility and allowing skilled workers to contribute to the economy without frequent permit renewals.
“We have made it easier for those already here to continue working without interruptions, benefiting both the workers and the sectors in need of their skills,” stated a government official.
Tech Visa and Turkey’s Tech Ambitions
In addition to these changes, Turkey has launched a Tech Visa Programme designed to attract entrepreneurs and technology professionals. This programme offers a three-year work permit under an expedited procedure, supporting Turkey’s ambitions in the tech sector.
Turkey’s Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, expressed the goal of establishing 100,000 tech-driven start-ups by 2030, with at least 100 valued over $1 billion. The country is also developing Terminal Istanbul, set to become the world’s largest technopark, reinforcing its status in the global tech industry.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to attract and retain foreign talent, stating, “This is a win-win for us. We bring in expertise and simultaneously grow our workforce by learning from the best in the field.”
Currently, the cost for work and long-term residence permits in Turkey is set at 7,345 Turkish Lira (approximately $267) annually. Details on the Tech Visa fee structure are still being finalized, but it is expected to follow a similar pricing model.
These changes signify Turkey’s commitment to addressing labour shortages and positioning itself as a hub for global talent, especially in the technology sector.