Article 9F: Work Permit Rejection in Turkey
Work Permit Rejection in Turkey explained with legal grounds, clear examples, and official law references. Know your rights and how to appeal.
Work Permit Rejection in Turkey: Reasons, Laws, and Real Cases
Applying for a work permit in Turkey can be complicated. If your application is rejected, it’s usually tied to specific legal articles که در Law No. 6458 و Law No. 6735. Let’s break this down simply, with real examples and official sources.
What Law Covers Work Permit Rejection?
Article 9(f) – Law No. 6735
The Ministry of Interior can reject work permit applications based on Law No. 6458, especially Articles 7, 15, and 54.
Reasons for Rejection: What the Law Says (and What It Looks Like)
Article 7 – Entry to Turkey Refused
Under Article 7 of Law No. 6458, Turkish authorities may deny entry to foreigners based on the following conditions:
1. Invalid or Fraudulent Documentation
Law Reference: Foreigners lacking a valid passport, travel document, visa, residence, or work permit, or those presenting documents obtained through deceptive means or found to be counterfeit, will be refused entry.
مثال: An individual attempting to enter Turkey with a forged visa sticker was identified during border control and denied entry.
2. Insufficient Passport Validity
Law Reference: If a foreigner’s passport or travel document expires less than 60 days before the end of their visa, visa exemption, or residence permit period, entry will be denied.
مثال: A traveler with a visa valid for 90 days but a passport expiring in 100 days was denied entry, as the passport did not meet the required 150-day validity (90 days visa + 60 days).
3. Other Legal Restrictions
Law Reference: Even if exempt from a visa, foreigners falling under the categories listed in Article 15(1) of Law No. 6458 may be refused entry.
مثال: An individual previously deported from Turkey attempted to re-enter without obtaining the necessary clearance and was denied entry.
Article 15 – Visa Denial Rules
Under Article 15 of Law No. 6458, Turkish authorities may deny visa applications based on the following conditions:
1. Insufficient Passport Validity
Law Reference: Foreigners whose passport or travel document is not valid for at least sixty days beyond the expiry date of the requested visa will be refused a visa.
مثال: A traveler applied for a 90-day visa, but their passport was set to expire in 100 days. Since the passport did not meet the required 150-day validity (90 days visa + 60 days), the visa application was denied.
2. Entry Ban
Law Reference: Individuals who are banned from entering Turkey are not eligible for a visa.
مثال: An individual previously deported from Turkey attempted to apply for a new visa without obtaining the necessary clearance and was denied.
3. Public Order or Security Concerns
Law Reference: Visas shall be refused to foreigners who are considered undesirable for reasons of public order or public security.
مثال: An applicant with a criminal record related to organized crime was deemed a threat to public security and thus denied a visa.
4. Health Risks
Law Reference: Foreigners identified to have a disease posing a public health threat will be refused a visa.
مثال: An individual diagnosed with a contagious disease was denied a visa to prevent potential public health risks.
5. Criminal Charges or Convictions
Law Reference: Those who are suspects of or convicted of crimes that are subject to extradition pursuant to agreements to which Turkey is a party will be refused a visa.
مثال: A person wanted for financial fraud in another country, with which Turkey has an extradition treaty, was denied a visa.
6. Lack of Valid Health Insurance
Law Reference: Applicants not covered with valid medical insurance for the duration of their stay will be refused a visa.
مثال: Maria from Brazil did not have valid health insurance covering her intended 1-year stay. Her visa application was rejected due to this omission.
7. Unjustified Purpose of Stay
Law Reference: Applicants who fail to supply proof of the reason for their purpose of entry into, transit from, or stay in Turkey will be refused a visa.
مثال: An individual could not provide documentation supporting their claimed purpose of attending a conference in Turkey and was thus denied a visa.
8. Insufficient Financial Means
Law Reference: Those who do not possess sufficient and sustainable resources for the duration of their stay will be refused a visa.
مثال: An applicant without proof of adequate financial means to support themselves during their stay in Turkey was denied a visa.
9. Unpaid Fines or Debts
Law Reference: Applicants who refuse to pay receivables originating from overstaying the duration of a visa or a previous residence permit, or debts and fines enforced pursuant to Turkish laws, will be refused a visa.
مثال: An individual with outstanding fines from a previous overstay in Turkey did not settle the debts and was consequently denied a new visa.
Article 54 – Deportation Grounds
Under Article 54 of Law No. 6458, Turkish authorities may issue a deportation order for foreigners based on the following conditions:
1. Association with Criminal or Terrorist Organizations
Law Reference: Foreigners who are leaders, members, or supporters of terrorist organizations or profit-oriented criminal organizations may be deported. را
مثال: An individual identified as a member of a banned extremist group was deported after an investigation confirmed their involvement.را
2. Use of False Information or Documents
Law Reference: Foreigners who submit untrue information or false documents during entry, visa, or residence permit procedures may be deported. را
مثال: A person provided counterfeit bank statements to support their residence permit application and was deported upon discovery.را
3. Unauthorized Employment
Law Reference: Foreigners found working without a valid work permit may be deported. را
مثال: An individual employed in a restaurant without a work permit was deported following a routine inspection.را
4. Violation of Visa or Residence Permit Conditions
Law Reference: Foreigners who overstay their visa or residence permit by more than ten days without an acceptable reason may be deported. را
مثال: Ali from Pakistan remained in Turkey 30 days after his visa expired without applying for a new permit and was deported after a short review.را
5. Threat to Public Order, Security, or Health
Law Reference: Foreigners posing a threat to public order, public security, or public health may be deported. را
مثال: An individual involved in repeated public disturbances was deemed a threat to public order and deported.را
6. Illegal Entry or Exit
Law Reference: Foreigners who breach the terms and conditions for legal entry into or exit from Turkey may be deported.
مثال: A person who entered Turkey through unauthorized border crossings was apprehended and deported.را
7. Re-entry Despite Entry Ban
Law Reference: Foreigners who enter Turkey despite an existing entry ban may be deported. را
مثال: An individual previously deported and banned from re-entry attempted to return and was deported again upon arrival.را
8. Failure to Leave After Residence Permit Rejection
Law Reference: Foreigners who fail to leave Turkey within ten days after their residence permit renewal application is rejected may be deported. را
مثال: A person whose residence permit extension was denied did not depart within the stipulated period and was subsequently deported.را
9. International Protection Status Issues
Law Reference: Foreigners whose international protection application has been refused, withdrawn, or deemed inadmissible, and who no longer have the right to stay in Turkey, may be deported. را
مثال: An asylum seeker’s application was rejected, and without any other legal grounds to remain, they were deported.را
What Happens After a Work Permit Rejection?
If your work permit application in Turkey is rejected, don’t panic. There are steps you can take:
1. Understand the Rejection
Carefully read the official letter sent by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. It will tell you why your application was denied.
2. Use Your Right to Object
You have 30 days to file an objection to the decision. This must be done with a formal petition (written application).
3. Fix Missing or Incorrect Documents
If your rejection was due to missing documents or errors, you can correct them and prepare for a new application.
4. Submit a New Application
Once the problem is solved, you can submit a new application. There’s no permanent ban unless otherwise stated.
How to Appeal a Rejected Work Permit Application
The appeal process after a work permit rejection includes the following steps:
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Write an Objection Petition: A well-written explanation of why you believe the rejection was unfair or incorrect.
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Submit Supporting Documents: Include any missing or updated paperwork to support your objection.
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Send the Application: You can submit your objection in person or by mail to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
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Wait for Results: The Ministry usually responds within 30–60 days after receiving your objection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Work Permit Rejections
1. Can I stay in Turkey after my work permit is rejected?
No. Without a valid work permit or other legal status, you cannot legally work or stay in Turkey once your permitted stay ends.
2. Can I apply again after my application was rejected?
Yes. After fixing the reason for the rejection (such as missing insurance or a wrong document), you can apply again.
3. How long do I have to object to the rejection?
You must submit your objection within 30 days from the date of receiving the rejection letter.
4. How long does it take to get results after applying or objecting?
Normally, you will get a response in 30 to 90 days, but it may take longer if documents are missing or if the system is busy.
How to Avoid Rejection: Key Tips
✅ Make sure your passport is valid for at least 60 days beyond your permit.
✅ Buy proper health insurance that covers your full stay.
✅ Don’t submit fake documents — Turkish authorities check carefully.
✅ Have enough money in your bank account to show financial stability.
✅ Don’t overstay any visa or residence permit — even one day matters.