With a legislative proposal submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, granting special stamped passport rights to four professional groups in the healthcare sector has come to the agenda. The proposal has been referred to the relevant committee.
According to the proposed regulation, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists will be able to obtain a green passport if they have been registered with their relevant professional organization for at least 15 years. The proposal also includes a condition that individuals who will benefit from this right must not be under investigation or prosecution for certain crimes.
The special stamped passport is known in the public as a "green passport" and provides its holders with visa-free travel opportunities to many countries. In current practice, this right for healthcare professionals is primarily limited to personnel working in the public sector in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-degree positions.
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROPOSAL
In the justification for the proposal, it was argued that the fact that contract-based public employees and healthcare professionals working in private or independent health institutions cannot benefit from this right creates inequality.
The justification also stated that visa processes cause disruptions in participation in international scientific congresses, specialized training, clinical research, and global meetings in the field of health. The regulation aims to strengthen professional representation in the health sector and accelerate access to scientific developments.
Currently, green passport rights can be utilized by public officials at certain ranks, former members of parliament and ministers, incumbent mayors, representatives of certain exporting companies, public institution employees meeting specific conditions, athletes with state athlete status, and lawyers registered with a bar association for at least 15 years.
News Source: 12punto
