14.10.2025 12:03
With the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family," new regulations are on the way for working mothers and fathers. The government is preparing to eliminate the differences in maternity, paternity, and unpaid leave between workers and civil servants. It is planned to extend maternity leave from 16 weeks to 24 weeks and paternity leave from 10 days to 15 days. Additionally, the duration of unpaid leave is aimed to be equalized to 2 years for both groups.
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Following the declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Family', the government has initiated new regulations for working mothers and fathers. The aim of the work is to increase maternity and paternity leave and to eliminate the differences between workers and civil servants.
DIFFERENCE IN LEAVE BETWEEN WORKERS AND CIVIL SERVANTS IS BEING ELIMINATED
After President Erdoğan declared 2025 as the "Year of Family", the government's preparations for family-friendly regulations in working life have gained momentum. With the new regulation, it is planned to eliminate the differences in maternity, breastfeeding, and unpaid leave between working and civil servant mothers. Additionally, the current 16-week maternity leave is expected to be increased to 24 weeks, while the 10-day paternity leave for fathers is anticipated to be raised to 15 days. After the completion of the draft, the regulation is expected to be presented to the Parliament.
"MATERNITY LEAVE MAY INCREASE TO 24 WEEKS"
In evaluations made to Milliyet regarding the issue, Social Security Consultant Emin Yılmaz stated that the current maternity leave is a total of 16 weeks, consisting of 8 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after. Yılmaz said, "We know that the government is working on this issue. According to information reflected to the public, maternity leave will be increased to 24 weeks, and paternity leave will be equalized to 15 days."
EQUALITY IN BREASTFEEDING LEAVE AND UNPAID LEAVE IS ALSO COMING
Yılmaz reminded that in the current regulation, private sector working mothers have 1.5 hours of breastfeeding leave per day, while public sector working mothers have 3 hours for the first six months and 1.5 hours for the second six months. Stating that this difference will be eliminated with the new regulation, Yılmaz said, "All mothers will be able to use 3 hours of breastfeeding leave for the first six months and 1.5 hours for the second six months." Additionally, it is also being discussed that the unpaid leave period after birth will be equalized to 2 years in both public and private sectors.
PATERNITY LEAVE IS INCREASING TO 15 DAYS
In the current system, civil servants can take 10 days of paternity leave, while private sector employees can take 5 days. With the new regulation, it is expected that this difference will also be eliminated and all fathers will have the right to 15 days of leave.
GOAL: FAMILY-FRIENDLY WORKING MODEL
With the regulation prepared by the government, it is aimed to establish common standards that support family life in both the public and private sectors. Authorities aim for the regulation to become law within the year 2025.
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