Turkey has a non-discriminatory and equal treatment policy towards foreign employment, therefore foreign nationals have the same rights and liabilities as locals once they have been granted the necessary immigration permits.

The country is continuously seeking to import qualified and highly educated individuals in order to improve the knowledge of the local workforce and as part of the development process.

In order to protect the local workforce and prevent cheap labour there is an evaluation process when granting permits; however, as a rule, qualified individuals are welcomed as they are considered agents of opportunity for upgrading business skills and international relations.

The country has been updating relevant legislation to attract foreign investment, which can be considered as an indication of the above. The current work permit law is effective from 12 August 2016 onwards.