Newsletter-21

New International Workforce Law and New Horizons for Foreign Employment in Turkey* Gaye Spolitis Introduction International Workforce Law No. 6735 (“ International Workforce Law” or “Law”) published in the Official Gazette (No. 29800) on 13 August 2016 entered into force as of the date opens new horizons for employment of foreigners in Turkey. Rightfully so, the purpose of the Law is stated to increase the foreign investments by promoting entry of qualified foreign 1 workforce into the market and strike a balance between domestic and foreign employment in the current demograph- ics of the workforce in Turkey. It is intended with this article to provide the reader an insight and roadmap of the significant legal, procedural and institutional mile- stones introduced with the new Law by analyzing specific provisions. Purpose and Scope The purpose of the International Workforce Law is set forth un- der Article 1 where it is stated that the Law shall identify, implement and monitor policies regarding international labor and regulate the procedures and principles, competent authorities and responsibilities and rights and liabilities in relation to work permit and work permit exemptions to be granted to foreign nationals. The scope of the Law applies to foreign nationals who wish to apply for work or currently work in Turkey and those foreign nationals who wish to apply for * Article of August 2016 1 Please note the direct translation is “international” based on the original word- ing of the Law. However it is intended to be “foreign” workforce where it is referred throughout this article and use of “international” and “foreign” is used interchangeably.