What’s Happening in Turkey Regarding the Termination of Work Permits and Letters of Consent?

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The termination of work permits and the issuance of consent forms are crucial processes for both employers and employees. In this blog post, we will provide detailed information on topics such as how to terminate a work permit, the definition of a consent form, and the rights of both employees and employers. We will make these complex processes more understandable by providing up-to-date information specific to Turkey in 2025.

What Is a Work Permit, and Why Is It Terminated?

A work permit is an official document that grants foreign nationals the right to work legally in Turkey. Employers must follow specific procedures when submitting an application for a work permit for an employee. However, for various reasons, employers may wish to terminate their employees’ work permits. These reasons include:

• Dispute with an employee: When an employer experiences a conflict with an employee.
• Poor performance: When an employee's job performance falls below the expected level.
• Termination of the Project: Upon completion of the company’s current projects or termination of the project.

In such situations, there are certain steps employers need to be aware of.

Work Permit Termination Process

The process of terminating a work permit consists of several steps. When an employer decides to part ways with an employee, they must follow the steps below:

1. Application to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security: The employer must first submit an application to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to terminate the work permit.

2. Social Security Termination: After the work permit has been terminated, the employee’s social security enrollment must be terminated within 15 days.

3. Completing the Documents: It is important to ensure that all required documents are completed in full. These documents include the employee’s identification information, employment contract, and request for termination.

Following these steps exactly as outlined will help ensure that the process proceeds smoothly.

What Is a Letter of Consent?

A letter of consent is a written document that authorizes an employee to transfer from their former employer to a new workplace. This document is signed by the employer and delivered to the employee. The letter of consent is required for the employee to be able to work at the new job.

Contents of the Consent Form

• Former Employer's Approval: A letter of consent can be defined as a written document in which the former employer states that they have given permission for the employee to work at a new job.
• Handwritten Signature and Company Seal: The consent form is valid only if it bears the former employer's handwritten signature and company seal.

A letter of consent plays a critical role in opening the door to new job opportunities for an employee.

Employee Rights and Responsibilities

Although the employer has the right to terminate a work permit, the employee also has certain rights. The employee may submit an application to the ministry by presenting valid reasons to obtain a letter of consent. In this case, the steps to follow are as follows:

1. Writing a Petition: The employee must write a petition explaining their valid reasons.

2. Application to the Ministry: A written petition must be submitted to the relevant ministry.

3. Consent Form Process: The employee’s request for a consent form must be approved by the employer.

These steps are important for protecting workers' rights.

Practical Steps: Procedures for Terminating a Work Permit and Obtaining a Letter of Consent

To complete the procedures for terminating a work permit and obtaining a letter of consent, please follow the steps below:

1. File an application with the Ministry of Labor.

2. Process the employee’s insurance termination within 15 days.

3. Prepare the consent form and give it to the employee.

4. The employee must write the necessary petition to obtain a letter of consent.

5. Follow up to ensure the petition is forwarded to the ministry.

Properly following these steps ensures that the process proceeds smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the work permit termination process take?

A: The work permit termination process can be completed within a few days, provided that all required documents are submitted in full.

Q: Is it mandatory to obtain a letter of consent?

A: Yes, an employee must obtain a letter of consent in order to work at a new job.

Q: Can an employee start a new job without a consent form?

A: No, it is not legally possible to work at a new job without a written consent form.

Conclusion

The processes for terminating work permits and obtaining consent forms are very important issues for employers and employees. Understanding how these processes work in Turkey in 2025 is critical to protecting the rights of all parties. If you’d like more information about the process or would like to receive consulting services, please feel free to contact us. Remember, knowledge is power!