28.04.2026 12:26
The maternity leave regulation covering mothers working in the public and private sectors was passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly and became law. With the new regulation, the maternity leave period has been increased to 24 weeks, while the pre-birth working period has been shortened and the leave available after birth has been increased. Additionally, extra maternity leave opportunities have been provided for those who meet certain conditions, and paternity leave in the private sector has been raised to 10 days. Here are 5 frequently asked questions and answers about the law...
The maternity leave period for mothers working in the public and private sectors has been extended.
The Social Services Law and the Draft Law Amending Certain Laws, which includes regulations on social media and maternity leave, was accepted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly and became law.
With the regulation, the maternity leave period has been extended for all mothers working in the public and private sectors, and here are 5 frequently asked questions and answers about the law:
1- What does the new regulation on extending maternity leave periods bring?
Under the regulation extending maternity leave for all mothers working in the public and private sectors, the total maternity leave period has been increased to 24 weeks, consisting of 8 weeks before birth and 16 weeks after birth.
2- What does the law stipulate regarding the pre-birth working period?
Women who document with a medical report that their health condition is suitable for working up to 8 weeks before the expected birth date could, if they wish, work at their institution until 3 weeks before birth. With the regulation, this period has been reduced to 2 weeks, extending the time that can be transferred to the post-birth period by 1 additional week.
3- Will those who have completed their maternity leave benefit from the regulation?
Personnel whose maternity leave period has ended but who have not completed the 24-week period from the date of birth as of April 1, 2026, will be granted an additional 8 weeks of maternity leave upon their request.
4- How many days will paternity leave be?
With the regulation, paternity leave for private sector employees will be 10 days, as it is for civil servants.
5- What regulation is envisioned for foster families under the law?
In order to encourage being a foster family, ensure more children receive care in a family environment by increasing the number of foster families, strengthen the role of foster care in the child protection mechanism, and support the adaptation process between the foster family and the child, those who become foster parents for one or more children, either together with their spouse or individually, will be granted 10 days of leave upon request from the date the child is delivered to the foster family.