Draft Law on Amendments to the Social Services Law and Certain Other Laws

On 4 March 2026, a Draft Law proposing amendments to the Social Services Law and certain other laws was submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

The draft includes various proposed changes, particularly affecting labor law and social security practices. This circular outlines the key amendments included in the proposal.

Key Highlights

• Extension of maternity leave periods (total of 24 weeks) 
• Increase of postnatal leave to 16 weeks 
• Revision of the transferable prenatal leave period to 2 weeks 
• Extension of paternity leave to 10 days 
• Alignment of temporary incapacity allowance periods with revised maternity leave durations 

1. Amendments under the Labor Law (No. 4857)

Maternity Leave

The draft proposes amendments to Article 74 of the Labor Law. Accordingly:

• Postnatal maternity leave will be increased from 8 weeks to 16 weeks, 
• Total maternity leave (pre- and postnatal) will be extended to 24 weeks. 

In addition:

• The period allowing the transfer of prenatal leave to the postnatal period will be revised to 2 weeks, 
• Employees who are foster parents will be entitled to 10 days of unpaid leave upon request, starting from the date the child is placed with them. 

Furthermore, certain provisions regarding post-maternity leave periods are expected to be aligned with the revised durations.

Paternity Leave

The draft introduces an amendment to Article Additional 2 of the Labor Law, increasing paternity leave from 5 days to 10 days.

2. Amendments under the Social Security Law (No. 5510)

The proposed amendments to the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law include:

• Redefining the postnatal period under maternity insurance as 16 weeks, 
• Removing certain duration references related to multiple pregnancies from the legislation. 

Additionally:

• The period for temporary incapacity allowance will be revised from “eight weeks before and eight weeks after birth” to “8 weeks before and 16 weeks after birth”, 
• The transferable prenatal leave period will be set at 2 weeks. 

3. Amendments for Civil Servants (Law No. 657)

Parallel amendments are proposed for civil servants. Accordingly:

• Postnatal maternity leave will be increased to 16 weeks, 
• Total maternity leave will be extended to 24 weeks. 

In addition:

• The transferable prenatal leave period will be revised to 2 weeks, 
• Civil servants who are foster parents will be entitled to 10 days of leave upon request following the placement of the child. 

4. Amendments for Military and Law Enforcement Personnel

The draft also includes provisions to align the maternity leave regulations applicable to personnel of the Turkish Armed Forces, Gendarmerie General Command, and Coast Guard Command with the above-mentioned changes.

Accordingly:

• Postnatal leave will be set at 16 weeks, 
• Total maternity leave will be 24 weeks, 
• The transferable prenatal leave period will be revised to 2 weeks. 

In addition, adjustments are planned regarding leave entitlements related to adoption and foster care.

5. Premium Support for Foster Families

The draft introduces a provision under the Social Services Law (No. 2828) regarding premium support for foster families.

Accordingly:

• For eligible foster families, the voluntary insurance premiums paid by one of the spouses, 
• Up to an amount calculated based on the statutory minimum earnings base 

will be covered by the Ministry, subject to submission of relevant documentation.

Furthermore, provisions are included to allow the continuation of such support under certain conditions in the event of the death of the supporting spouse.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned changes are currently at the draft stage and will enter into force upon completion of the legislative process.