The Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Implementation of the International Workforce Law has been published in the Official Gazette dated 15.10.2024 and numbered 32693, and has entered into force on the same date. This amendment introduces changes to the regulation initially published in the Official Gazette on 02.02.2022 and numbered 31738 (“Regulation“). The amendment extends the work permit exemption period for qualified foreign workers from 6 months to 3 years.

Moreover, the scope of individuals eligible for work permit exemptions has been broadened. Specifically, the following groups are now included:

• Individuals notified by the Ministry of Interior through the relevant system, who are either covered under humanitarian residence permits as regulated under Article 46 or under temporary protection as regulated under Article 91 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection numbered 5457, subject to the scope and durations specified in the relevant notification,
• Foreign press members holding permanent press cards, provided that they have the favorable opinion of the Directorate of Communications of the Presidency

will be exempt from work permits for the duration of their professional assignments.

For individuals benefiting from temporary protection or holding humanitarian residence permits, and who have been notified to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security by the Ministry of Interior, it will no longer be necessary to submit a separate work permit exemption application. Instead, only a work permit exemption information form will need to be issued. Such individuals will be considered under the work permit exemption for the scope and duration specified in the notification. The specific procedures and principles governing this process will be jointly determined by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of Interior.

In addition, with the amendment to Article 49 of the Regulation, titled “Application for Work Permit Exemption,” it has been stipulated that the work permit exemption applications filed within the country must be made during the foreigner’s legal period of stay in Turkiye. Prior to this amendment, the application had to be filed within 30 days of the foreigner’s entry into Turkiye, provided that the foreigner’s visa or visa-exempt status had not been exceeded.

These amendments represent a significant regulatory shift, especially in extending the duration of exemptions and simplifying the process for individuals under humanitarian protection, aligning with broader policies regarding international labor mobility.