Turkish Labor Law
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As the rapid globalization has removed borders between countries, when it comes to working and living in foreign countries. We quite often see young people from different parts of the world going abroad to get a better education, to learn a language, and to have internship experience in a different work culture. This trend has created a growing sector with a few dozen organizations running student exchange programs worldwide. How does it work to be an intern in a foreign country? What papers do they need to work legally? Are they eligible to get paid? How can one be an intern in Turkey?
All matters related to foreign students’ entry, stay and studies in Turkey are determined by the 5682 Passports Act, 5683 Foreigners in Turkey Residence and Travels About Law and 5978 numbered Abroad Turks and Related Communities Presidency of the Organization and Duties.
According to the act, foreign students are required to have an invitation letter from the education institution they’re enrolled in and obtain student visas from the Turkish foreign missions in order to study in Turkey. A month from the date of entry, the student is required to obtain a residence permit for studying. For the residence permit, it is necessary to apply to the Police Department of Foreigners, with the residence information form and other documents obtained from the education institution.
Internship of Foreign Students
Foreign students can work as interns in Turkey as principles and procedures are clearly stated in the 4817 Law on Foreigners Working Permit.
According to Article 55 of the Implementing Regulation of the Law on Work Permits for Foreigners, foreign trainees are exempted from obtaining a work permit, provided that they only work within the duration of the internship. For the trainees to be exempt from obtaining a work permit, they need to be enrolled in compulsory internships within the framework of student exchange programs and they should be insured by the school. Other than the compulsory internships, students who would like to pursue internships in order to improve their professional skills, need to apply for a work permit. In this case, their legal status is no different than full-time foreign employees.
Documents Required for Application
- Petition
- Residence Declaration Form
- 4 photos
- Original of passport
- Internship Purpose Visa From Our Foreign Representatives (Consulate)
- Document indicating the duration of the internship from the institution
- Fees of Foreign Trainees
- The monthly salary of foreign interns is same as their Turkish counterparts. It is equivalent to 30% of the gross minimum wage (TL 2.943).
