New regulations are coming for motorcycle couriers: certification, criminal record check, social security...

The Ministry of Interior and the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTK) are nearing the end of their work on the motorcycle courier regulation. The regulation prioritizes the protection of both motorcycle couriers and citizens.

CRIMINAL RECORD WILL BE REQUIRED

According to a report by Sabah, the regulation aims to ensure the safety of motorcycle couriers, as well as to provide oversight of the couriers that citizens open their doors to almost every day, from a public safety perspective. A clean criminal record will be required for couriers.

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT FOR MOTORCYCLE COURIERS

Within the framework of a protocol to be established with the Vocational Qualifications Authority, a vocational qualification certificate will be mandatory. Couriers will be obliged to inform about the organizations they serve, and if it is determined that they are working in another job outside of the institution they are employed with, legal action will be taken.

SOCIAL SECURITY IS COMING

With the planned Courier Information System (KUBIS), all couriers will be registered. Couriers who work by establishing their own personal companies under the "tradesman courier" model will work by signing at least a one-year contract with the companies they serve, such as food, e-commerce, and logistics. Thus, there will be regulations regarding the provision of social security by the companies they work for.

"EX-PRISONERS ARE STARTING AS MOTORCYCLE COURIERS"

Murat Tomris, the President of the Motorcycle Drivers Federation (MOSEF), stated that there are nearly 2 million motorcycle couriers in Turkey, including those working informally, and that the sector causes billions of lira in tax losses. Tomris pointed out that those providing informal services receive instant jobs through some messaging applications, emphasizing that many ex-convicts are primarily starting as motorcycle couriers because security procedures, such as the requirement for a criminal record, are not enforced in the sector.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated regarding the issue, "There has been a significant increase in the number of motor couriers with the pandemic. There is a need for regulation here, both in terms of security and in terms of protecting them. We are carrying out this process with the Ministry of Interior and BTK. They bring cargo to our homes, and we will impose responsibilities on them to ensure our safety," he said.