13.05.2026 08:30
As the regulation extending maternity leave to 24 weeks comes into effect, the application process continues for mothers who wish to benefit from the additional 8 weeks of paid leave. Employed mothers who want to take advantage of this new right must complete their applications by the end of working hours on May 15. Those who do not apply may lose the right to extra leave.
The new regulation extending maternity leave to 24 weeks has been published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. With the regulation, working mothers are granted an additional 8 weeks of paid leave on top of their current maternity leave.
Mothers who meet the conditions set under the new application can benefit from the additional leave by applying directly without obtaining any health report.
LAST 2 DAYS FOR APPLICATION
Mothers who wish to benefit from the additional maternity leave right must complete their applications by the end of business hours on Friday, May 15. Applications will be made to the institution where they work. It is stated that mothers who miss the deadline may not be able to benefit from the additional leave right.
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
Mothers who give birth on or after October 16, 2025, can benefit from the new regulation. Additionally, the regulation also covers mothers who have not yet completed the 24-week period of their current maternity leave as of April 1. Thus, working mothers whose leave process is still ongoing can also apply for the additional 8 weeks of paid leave right.
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION?
Mothers who wish to apply need to submit only two documents to the institution where they work:
- A photocopy of the baby's ID
- A petition requesting the additional leave
No health report or additional documents are required under the regulation.
MOTHERS WHO RETURNED TO WORK CAN ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE RIGHT
One of the notable details in the new application is the process of returning to work. According to the regulation, mothers can use their remaining 8 weeks of additional leave right even if they have returned to work. To do this, it will be sufficient to submit a petition to the institution where they work. Mothers will be granted paid leave during the additional leave period.
REGULATION ALSO COMING FOR CONTRACTED PERSONNEL
While the regulation aims to cover all working mothers, it has been stated that the technical regulation regarding contracted personnel will be completed in the coming days. The goal is expressed as ensuring that no working mother is left outside the new application.