Turkey's parliament passes new labor law for foreigners

By Coskun Ergul and Seval Guler

ANKARA

Turkey’s parliament in Ankara approved Thursday a new labor law specifying conditions under which foreigners can work in the country.

According to the law, foreigners with long-term residence permits or work permits for at least eight years would now be able to apply for permanent work permits.

Those with permanent work permits would be granted rights similar to Turkish citizens. However, they would not have the right to vote or get elected, work for civil service and do military service.

Also, foreign students at Turkish universities would be allowed to work on condition that they get work permits from their employers.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security will also establish a system to meet foreign employment demands.

An international labor head office within the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will also be established, according to the law.