05.12.2025 09:42
The government has prepared a regulation that extends maternity leave from 16 weeks to 24 weeks. Paternity leave in the private sector will be increased to 10 days, and retirement and tax incentives for housewives will be considered. Additionally, the aim is to increase birth rates by enhancing neighborhood-type daycare centers and child care support.
Following the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family," the government has prepared a comprehensive package aimed at increasing marriage and birth rates. Critical regulations on the agenda include extending maternity leave from 16 weeks to 24 weeks, prolonging paternity leave, and providing retirement benefits for housewives.
"YEAR OF THE FAMILY" INITIATIVES HAVE BEGUN
In response to the population growth rate falling below 2.10, the government is taking new steps to strengthen families.
To encourage marriages and facilitate having children;
- Flexible working in the public sector,
- Interest-free loans for newlyweds,
- A number of regulations such as an increase in child support payments are being prepared.
MATERNITY LEAVE WILL INCREASE TO 24 WEEKS
According to information reported by CNN TURK, the maternity leave regulation being worked on by the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the AK Party has been completed. The current 16-week maternity leave will be extended to 24 weeks with the upcoming changes. Mothers will be able to return to work when their baby is 6 months old. The regulation is expected to be presented to the Parliament before the end of the year and to be enacted in the early days of the new year after the budget discussions.
PIaternity LEAVE WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED
With the new package, paternity leave in the private sector is also being extended.
- Civil servants: 10 days
- Private sector employees: 5 days (current)
When the regulation comes into effect, private sector employees' paternity leave will also be increased to 10 days.
RETIREMENT PLAN FOR HOUSEWIVES
Government sources indicate that the decline in fertility rates is also observed among housewives. Therefore, plans are being made to introduce support such as retirement and tax exemptions for housewives.
COMMUNITY-BASED NURSERIES ARE COMING
To alleviate the childcare burden on working mothers and support population growth, investments in nurseries will also be increased. Efforts are underway to promote community-based nurseries and enhance childcare support. AK Party sources emphasize that "every aspect of life needs to be made family and child-friendly," noting that 20% of the population lives alone.