Recently, on August 13, 2016, a new work permit law on international workforce was published in Turkey. This new law will bring about substantial changes in Turkey work permit application procedures and criteria. This law has been put into effect immediately.
The new law has formed a government agency known to be the "International Workforce Policy Board" which will determine policies and criteria for employment of foreign nationals in Turkey. Additionally, the work permit will also be evaluated by the Ministry of Labour by way of a 3 step point-based system. The 3 step system is sectioned as the foreign work permit application, Assessment and the Monitoring system. This system is with keeping in lines with the policies formed by the International Workforce Policy Board.
Furthermore, a new work permit category named "Turquoise Card" has been created which will be issued to foreign nationals based upon their educational level, professional experience, contribution to science and technology, and the impact of their investment in Turkey. This card will act as a permanent work card enabling them to hold same employment rights as compared to a Turkish citizen. The Turquoise Card will be issued to main applicants for an initial period of three years on conditional terms and can be renewed indefinitely. Dependents of Turquoise Card holders will be allowed to apply for residence permits.
Other changes also include improvements in Exceptional Work Permits and Independent Work Permits categories. These categories will be exempt from certain standard evaluation criteria meant for work permits and special visas issued for Free Trade Zones in Turkey.
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