Regulations Across Three Laws: Paternity Leave Extends To 10 Days; Foster Parents Granted Leave Rights For The First Time
ANKARA, Turkey – The Ministry of Family and Social Services has finalized a critical legal regulation aimed at balancing work-family life and addressing the declining birth rate. The prepared proposal plans to extend the maternity leave duration for female employees from the current 16 weeks to 24 weeks. The Maternity Leave Extended to 24 Weeks regulation is expected to cover all working women across various professional statuses.
📝 Section 1: Major Expansion In Maternity Leave
Women in all statuses—including civil servants, workers, military personnel, judges/prosecutors, and academics—are expected to benefit equally from the regulation.
- New Duration: The new regulations will update maternity leave periods in the “Civil Servants Law,” the “Labor Law,” and the “Turkish Armed Forces Personnel Law.” The new duration will be set at 24 weeks total: 8 weeks before birth and 16 weeks after birth.
- Current Status: Under the existing Labor Law, workers use a total of 16 weeks (8 weeks pre-birth, 8 weeks post-birth) of paid leave. Therefore, this new regulation effectively doubles the paid post-birth leave period.
👨👩👧 Section 2: New Rights For Fathers And Foster Parents
The regulation introduces significant social rights covering not only mothers but also fathers and foster parents.
- Paternity Leave Equalized: Paternity leave, which is currently 5 days for employees subject to the Labor Law, will be standardized to 10 days for all personnel statuses under the new regulation.
- First-Ever Foster Parent Leave: Currently, foster parents do not have a dedicated leave entitlement. However, the new arrangement foresees granting a 10-day foster care leave for civil servants, workers, and military personnel who become foster parents to a child under the age of 3. This step increases the inclusivity of the Ministry’s social policies.
🎯 Section 3: Objectives And Legislative Timeline
The Maternity Leave Extended to 24 Weeks regulation aims to standardize leave periods across different personnel regimes.
- Objectives: The core goals include ensuring all women in the public and private sectors benefit equally from expanded maternity leave, improving the work-life balance, and supporting declining birth rates.
- Legislative Timeline: Following final revisions by the Ministry and the AK Party, the regulation is expected to be submitted to the TBMM soon. The legislation is anticipated to be enacted in the new year.
