01.10.2025 09:51
The government has prepared a new regulation in response to the declining birth rates in Turkey. According to the draft, the maternity leave for female civil servants will be extended to 24 weeks. Paternity leave will be increased to 15 days. Additionally, foster families will be granted additional rights. These regulations aim to both encourage birth rates and strengthen the institution of the family.
The Turkish government has prepared a new regulation to maintain the population structure due to the decline in birth rates in recent years. According to the draft, while the maternity leave for female civil servants will be extended, additional rights will also be granted to fathers and foster families.
24 WEEKS OF LEAVE FOR FEMALE CIVIL SERVANTS
According to a report in the Türkiye newspaper, the current regulation provides a total of 16 weeks of leave for female civil servants, with 8 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after birth. With the new draft, this period will be extended to 24 weeks. Under the regulation, 8 weeks of maternity leave will be granted before birth and 16 weeks after birth.
In the case of multiple pregnancies, the 2-week leave entitlement added to the 8-week pre-birth period will continue to be preserved.
FATHER'S LEAVE INCREASED TO 15 DAYS
The leave granted to fathers whose wives give birth is also being increased. The current 10-day paternity leave will be extended to 15 days with the new regulation. Additionally, it is anticipated that employees in worker status will be granted 15 days of unpaid leave.
SPECIAL RIGHTS FOR FOSTER FAMILIES
The draft regulation also includes incentives for foster families. Accordingly, civil servants who become foster parents to one or more children under the age of 3 will be able to take 15 days of leave from the date the child is received.
SUPPORT FOR POPULATION POLICY IS TARGETED
The justification for the draft emphasizes that Turkey is beginning to enter the "very old population" status according to United Nations criteria, and it is aimed to encourage birth rates and strengthen the family institution by increasing maternity leave durations.
PRIORITY FOR FOSTER FAMILIES IN CHILD PROTECTION MECHANISM
The justification also states that the new regulation aims to increase the number of foster families. This way, it is intended that more children grow up with families rather than in institutions, foster families can spend more time with the child, and healthy communication can be established.