The Interior Ministry of Turkey have announced that they are changing the rules governing residence and work permits for foreigners.

The new decree, which was recently sent to all Governors offices across the country, also reduces the fee for obtaining the work permits dramatically from TL650 to just TL150.

The main effect of the decree is that it has widened the scope of valid visit purposes by foreign nationals and now, those who come to Turkey for meetings, conferences, cultural activities and commercial ties are automatically issued with work permits.

Foreigners in possession of residence permits that are valid for six months will now be able to obtain work permits by simply applying to the Labour and Social Security Ministry.

In addition, the decree (which has already come in to force), also seeks to legalise foreign nationals. In particular, this applies to those individuals who work in Turkish citizens’ homes in roles as nurses or maids.

In the relaxing of the rules, foreign nationals who have violated visa regulations are able to acquire residence permits on the condition that they pay the permit fees and legal penalties that they incurred by overstaying their visas.

It seems that the major aim of the decree is to fend off any negative effects on the tourism industry that the former rules caused. It is also quick to highlight that well-meaning individuals will be protected by the changes and will only have their indiscretion kept on record for a short period.

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