New era for green passports: Scope is expanding

A new step has been taken to expand the scope of the special-stamped passport, commonly known as the "green passport," which offers visa-free travel. With the prepared legislative proposal, it is aimed for two more professional groups to benefit from this right.

THE PATH TO GREEN PASSPORTS FOR ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS

The proposal submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey envisions that engineers and architects who are registered with chambers affiliated with the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) and have at least 10 years of professional seniority will be eligible to receive a green passport. The regulation aims to provide a permanent solution to visa problems that have been on the agenda for a long time.

CRIMINAL RECORD REQUIREMENT DRAWS ATTENTION

The proposal also includes specific legal criteria to benefit from the green passport. Accordingly, engineers and architects who are not under investigation or prosecution for crimes falling under the relevant sections of the Turkish Penal Code and the Anti-Terror Law will be able to benefit from this right.

VISA PROCESSES HINDER PROFESSIONAL MOBILITY

In the justification for the proposal, emphasis was placed on the negative impact of visa practices on professional activities. The justification included the following statements:

“Today's globalizing world economy and rapidly developing technology have made it necessary to carry engineering and architectural services across borders. Turkish engineers and architects carry our country's technical expertise to the world by taking part in international projects and provide foreign currency inflow. However, the biggest obstacle before the participation of Turkish engineers and architects in international fairs, technical study visits, and project partnerships is "visa" procedures.

The proposal stated that the regulation would not only provide travel convenience but also contribute to retaining qualified human resources in the country. The justification included the following assessments:

“Allowing members who are registered with chambers affiliated with TMMOB, a professional organization with the status of a public institution, and who have reached a certain seniority in their profession to receive a green passport will increase professional mobility, contribute to export targets, and strengthen our hand in international competition. In a period when qualified labor is inclined to go abroad, this right to be granted to engineers and architects will be a sign of the state's trust in its own technical personnel. This regulation will prevent engineers who work freelance or in the private sector from feeling like "second-class citizens" and will be a symbolic but strong step in combating brain drain by reinforcing the sense of belonging. Expanding the green passport application to include engineers and architects affiliated with TMMOB will strengthen international representation and technical cooperation. It will ensure that public duties are carried out more quickly and effectively, and will increase Turkey's visibility in the scientific and technical fields. With this regulation, it is aimed to eliminate the visa grievances among professionals.”

PROPOSAL IS IN THE COMMISSION PROCESS

The legislative proposal submitted to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey by CHP Adana Deputy Ayhan Barut has been sent to the Commission for review.

News Source: 12punto