Turkish gov't says citizens' employment will not be hampered by work permits for Syrians

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmu? has revealed the details of the Turkish government's plan offering work permits to Syrian refugees, pledging that the arrangement would not lead to limiting the employment of Turkish citizens.

The "draft" regulation has been adopted by a council of ministers and will be published in the coming days, Kurtulmu? told reporters at a press conference held late on Jan. 11 while the council of ministers were still holding a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu.

Employers will be able have Syrians comprise up to 10 percent of their staff, although this condition may be waived by provincial governors in certain cases. 

"The work permit granted to Syrians is not a field that would restrain employment of Turkish citizens. Foreigners who are provided temporary protection will be able to apply for work permit six months after date of their temporary identity cards arrangement," Kurtulmu? said, noting that these work permits would be valid in provinces where the workers reside or where their temporary identity cards were issued by the Interior Ministry.

Since the Syrian conflict began in 2011, around 2.41 million Syrians have fled to Turkey, and with a regulation governing temporary protection, 7,351 Syrians have been granted work permits, Kurtulmu? said.

Refugees under temporary protection can work within the refugee community in Turkey, for example, as doctors or teachers in camps. 

In regards to the 10 percent quota, however, there will be an exception.

"In work places where there has been a [employment] deficit in the four weeks within an application being considered, it will be possible to exceed the 10 percent. Additionally, for Syrian refugees who work...