Türkiye extends work permit exemption for skilled foreign workers for 3 years
A Turkish flag flutters at the refugee camp for Syrian refugees in Islahiye, Gaziantep province, southeastern Türkiye, March 16, 2016. (AP Photo)
Türkiye has introduced a series of regulatory changes that ease work permit requirements for refugees and foreign nationals, aiming to ease labor shortages in key sectors.
The new regulations, published in the Official Gazette, offer temporary work permit exemptions for specific groups of foreign workers, including refugees and professionals providing essential services.
The changes, announced by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, simplify the exemption process and extend the duration for which certain foreign workers can operate without a permit.
Work permit exemptions for refugees, skilled workers
Under the new regulations, refugees and other individuals under temporary protection in Türkiye will be exempt from obtaining a work permit for specified durations.
The exemptions will apply to those registered under the Foreign Application, Evaluation, and Monitoring System, with the Interior Ministry overseeing the scope and duration of these permits.
For skilled foreign workers providing significant economic, sociocultural, or technological contributions, the duration of work permit exemptions has been extended from six months to three years.
Journalists, athletes among those exempt
Foreign journalists holding permanent press cards, with the approval of the Presidential Directorate of Communications, will also be exempt from work permits during their stay in Türkiye.
Additionally, professional athletes, coached and related sports professionals will no longer be required to obtain work permits if they have valid contracts with Turkish sports federations or clubs.
The previous requirement for a “sports-related visa” has been removed.
Regulation changes to facilitate applications
The previous 30-day application limit for foreign nationals seeking work permit exemptions after entering Türkiye has been lifted.
Under the new rules, foreign nationals can apply for exemptions at any time during their legal stay in the country.
