Work Permit for Owners of International Protection (refugee)

Understanding Work Permits for International Protection Status

Individuals holding international protection status in Turkey have a legal pathway to employment. This category includes refugees, conditional refugees, and those under secondary protection. According to the International Labour Law No. 6735, these individuals can apply for a work permit to legalize their status in the Turkish job market. This process ensures that both the employer and the employee operate within the legal framework of the Republic of Turkey.

Eligibility Requirements for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

To qualify for a work permit, an applicant must meet specific criteria. The most critical requirement is the duration of their status. You must hold an international protection applicant or status holder identity card for at least six months from the date of your initial application. Once this six-month period passes, you are eligible to apply for a work permit through an employer.

The Six-Month Rule

The six-month waiting period is mandatory. During this time, the applicant is expected to remain in their province of registration. After this period, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security evaluates applications based on the current needs of the labor market and the specific qualifications of the individual.

Benefits of Hiring International Protection Holders

Hiring individuals under international protection offers significant advantages for Turkish employers. Unlike standard foreign work permits, the criteria for these applications are more flexible. For most foreign workers, an employer must hire five Turkish citizens for every one foreigner. However, for those under international protection, this ratio is often waived or applied differently depending on the sector and the specific protection status.

Exemption from Standard Employment Ratios

Employers do not need to meet the high paid-in capital requirements usually required for hiring foreigners. This makes it easier for small businesses and families to hire staff for various roles. Whether you need a worker for a factory, a farm, or a corporate office, the process is streamlined to encourage legal employment.

Work Permits for Home Services

A large number of international protection holders find employment in home services. This includes roles such as:

• Childcare and babysitting
• Elderly care services
• Patient care and nursing assistance
• General domestic help

For home services, the application process focuses on the employer's ability to pay the salary and social security premiums. The worker must live at the address specified in the application if the role is for live-in care.

The Application Process for Employers

The employer must initiate the work permit application through the e-Government (e-Devlet) system. The process requires several documents, including the foreigner’s ID number (starting with 99), a valid photograph, and an employment contract signed by both parties. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security reviews the application. If approved, the work permit card is mailed directly to the employer's address.

Duration and Renewal of the Permit

Work permits are typically issued for a maximum of one year initially. This permit is tied to a specific employer and a specific profession. If you continue to work for the same employer, you can apply for an extension before the permit expires.

• First Extension: Can be granted for up to two years with the same employer.
• Subsequent Extensions: Can be granted for up to three years.

If the foreigner changes employers, a completely new application must be submitted. Working without a valid permit leads to administrative fines for both the employer and the employee.

Legal Rights and Social Security

Foreigners working under a valid permit have the same rights as Turkish citizens. Employers must pay at least the minimum wage. Additionally, the employer is responsible for paying Social Security (SGK) premiums. These premiums provide the worker with access to healthcare and contribute toward retirement benefits. Failure to pay SGK premiums can result in the cancellation of the work permit.

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