On 23 July 2025, a new regulation jointly approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Türkiye was published in the Official Gazette (No. 32964).
The regulation is titled:
“Regulation on the Recovery of Certain Expenses from Employers of Foreign Nationals Deported for Working Without Authorisation.”
The new regulation establishes a clear and binding legal framework for the financial liability of employers who employ foreign nationals without a valid work permit, in violation of the International Workforce Law No. 6735.
Key Provisions of the Regulation
The regulation applies to foreign nationals identified as working illegally and who are subject to a deportation decision.
Where such individuals, as well as their spouses and children, incur expenses covered by public funds, all such costs are recoverable from the employer or the employer’s legal representative.
Recoverable expenses include:
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accommodation costs at removal centres,
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deportation (repatriation) expenses,
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mandatory healthcare costs covered by the Directorate General of Migration Management.
All such expenses are collected in accordance with the Law on the Collection of Public Receivables No. 6183.
Recovery Procedure and Enforcement
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Inspections are carried out by the Ministry of Labour and authorised public bodies, and administrative fines are imposed pursuant to Law No. 6735.
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Provincial directorates of migration issue a formal notification to the employer specifying the amount due.
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Employers are granted one month for voluntary payment.
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In the event of non-payment, claims are transferred to the tax authorities for compulsory collection as public debt.
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The Directorate General of Migration Management annually determines a fixed daily accommodation cost for stays at removal centres, limited to a maximum of three months per case.
Inter-Agency Data Sharing
The regulation provides for mandatory data sharing between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Ministry of Interior, strengthening oversight and enabling more systematic detection of illegal employment.
Date of Entry into Force
The regulation will enter into force six months after its publication, on 23 January 2026.
Significance for Foreign Nationals and Communities (Including the Uyghur Community)
The adopted measures significantly increase employer liability and aim to reduce the illegal employment of foreign nationals in Türkiye. This highlights the importance of legal employment, holding a valid work permit, and full compliance with migration legislation for both employers and foreign nationals.