Foreign workers who take on child or elderly care in Turkey must comply with specific regulations to work legally. These regulations include obtaining a work permit, meeting certain qualifications, and ensuring that employers fulfill specific responsibilities.
Requirements for Foreign Workers:
- Valid Passport: Must have a valid passport covering the period of the work request in Turkey.
- No Entry Ban: There should be no legal barriers (e.g., entry ban) preventing entry into Turkey.
- Public Order and Security: If the individual has previously been in Turkey, they must not have any negative history that threatens public order and security.
Although not mandatory, it is recommended to submit certificates or documents from relevant training institutions obtained for similar positions to strengthen the application. These documents help prove the applicant’s competencies and training in the relevant fields.
Requirements for Employers:
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- Application Conditions: Employers can apply for a foreign worker to provide care for proven needs such as elderly parents over 65, or children under 15.
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- Economic Sufficiency: Employers or household members must prove they have the financial means to cover the foreign worker’s expenses. This includes demonstrating the ability to cover the worker’s salary, accommodation, and other basic needs.
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- SGK Commitment: Employers must commit to covering the Social Security Institution (SGK) expenses for the foreign worker during the work permit period and fulfill this obligation.
Work Permit Application Process:
There are two ways to apply for a work permit:
Application from Outside Turkey: The foreign worker applies to the Turkish Consulate in their own country to receive a reference number. This number is used by the employer or authorized agent in Turkey to submit the required documents to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
Application from Within Turkey: If the foreign worker has a valid residence permit for at least 6 months in Turkey, they can apply directly to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. In this case, a work visa is not required.
Penalties for Illegal Work (2024):
Illegal Foreign Worker: A fine of 22,688 TL is imposed on foreigners working in Turkey without a work permit.
Unauthorized Self-Employed Foreigners: The penalty is 45,406 TL for foreigners working independently without a permit.
Employers: Employers who hire foreigners without work permits are fined 56,752 TL for each foreign worker.
Employers Failing to Report: Employers who do not report foreign workers with work permits to the relevant authorities on time are fined 3,768 TL per foreign worker.
Penalties increase exponentially if repeated. Practices may vary periodically; it is advisable to contact our company for the most current information.