Historic change in maternity leave: Leave period for mothers increases to 24 weeks

The General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) will discuss new regulations introducing changes to the Social Services Law and several other laws as the first agenda item of the week. The legislative regulation in question is of particular interest to women on maternity leave. The proposal, prepared with the support of all political parties, is expected to be approved in a way that also covers public employees currently on maternity leave.

In the Parliament's meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 7, a package envisioning changes in various areas, including social media and maternity leave, will be addressed. The aim is for the prepared legislative proposal to enter into force within this week.

With the planned changes, maternity leave will be extended from 16 weeks to 24 weeks. After the date the law enters into force, civil servants who have not yet completed the 24-week leave period from the moment of birth will also be able to use an additional 8 weeks of maternity leave upon their request. This right will also apply to mothers whose maternity leave is still ongoing.

Among other important regulations, civil servants who become foster parents will be granted 10 days of leave starting from the date the child is handed over. Furthermore, the paid leave period granted to employees in the event of their spouse giving birth will be increased from 5 days to 10 days. Women and children deemed to lack sufficient income will be provided with a net allowance at the rate specified in the law, without any deductions.

Within the scope of the social media regulation, social network providers will be held responsible for not providing services to children under the age of 15 and for taking necessary measures such as age verification. Gaming platforms, on the other hand, will not be allowed to offer games that have not been properly rated.

Protective and preventive services that encourage children to live with their families or relatives without needing social care will also be strengthened with the new law. In necessary cases, social and economic support will be provided by taking regional conditions into account.

The rapid enactment of this proposal will pave the way for significant developments in the social rights of both public employee mothers and children.

News Source: 12punto