Rights conferred by long term residence permit

In some web pages and forums, it is seen that there is a misunderstanding about the article 44 of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection. Article 44 of the Law regulates the rights conferred by a Long-Term residence Permit.

Some of well known Expat web pages and forums, at this point, argue that Foreigners will also have rights and obligations which are only granted to the Turkish citizens such as military service, participation in national elections, employment in public services and etc.  However article 44 reads that foreigners who have Long Term Residence Permit shallbenefit from the same rights as accorded to Turkish citizens, EXCEPT

a) Compulsory military service,

b) The right to elect and be elected,

c) Employment in public institutions,

d) Exemption from taxes in importing vehicles

PLEASE FIND BELOW THE READING OF ARTICLE 44.

“Rights conferred by a long term residence permit

(1) Save for acquired rights with regard to social security and subject to provisions in related law as regards the use of these rights, foreigners who have been granted a long term residence permit shall benefit from the same rights as accorded to Turkish citizens with the exception of provisions in special legislation as well as the rights regarding:

a) Compulsory military service,

b) The right to elect and be elected,

c) Employment in public institutions,

d) Exemption from taxes in importing vehicles.

(2) The Council of Ministers shall be authorized to place restrictions on the rights set forth in paragraph 1, partially or in its entirety”

The law on Foreigners and International Protection

You may download unoffical translation of Law on Foreigners and International Protection