28.10.2025 13:00
Changes are planned for maternity leave as part of the "Year of the Family" in 2025. Women are set to receive an additional 4 weeks on top of the current 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, while fathers are proposed to have an additional 5 days added to the existing 5 days of leave. The aim of this regulation is to both increase birth rates and strengthen the work-life balance for parents.
A comprehensive regulation regarding maternity leave is being prepared in Turkey. With the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Family," a new system is being developed that encompasses both mothers and fathers.
4 ADDITIONAL WEEKS OF PAID LEAVE FOR MOTHERS
Under the current application, female employees can take a total of 16 weeks of paid leave, consisting of 8 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after. The new regulation plans to extend this period by an additional 4 weeks. Thus, the process for working mothers to return to work after childbirth will become more flexible.
10 DAYS OF LEAVE FOR FATHERS
Currently, paternity leave in the private sector is 5 days, and it is aimed to be increased to 10 days in line with the public sector practice. This step will enable fathers to take a more active role in the post-birth process.
BIRTH RATES AND LABOR FORCE BALANCE
According to experts, the regulation will directly affect not only the social rights of parents but also Turkey's demographic balance. While the fertility rate in Turkey remains below the replacement level, women's participation in the labor force is significantly behind the OECD average.
A STRATEGIC STEP
Women taking breaks from work or completely withdrawing due to childcare negatively impacts long-term economic growth. Therefore, strengthening maternity and parental leave is seen not only as a social improvement but also as a strategic step for economic and social sustainability. Legal work regarding the new regulation is expected to be completed in the coming months.
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 be enacted within the year 2025.