Youth Employment: Government to Pay Salaries for “Home Youths”

The government of Türkiye is preparing to launch a landmark project to integrate nearly 5 million young citizens—often referred to as “home youths”—into the workforce. This ambitious “Youth Employment Move” specifically targets the NEET population (those neither in Education, Employment, nor Training) aged 18 to 25.

Developed through a collaboration between the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, and parliamentary representatives, the legislative proposal is expected to reach the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) within May 2026. This initiative represents a strategic effort to transform a passive demographic into an active economic force.

Incentive Packages: Six Months of State-Funded Salaries

A radical amendment to the Unemployment Insurance Law will introduce a robust incentive structure financed directly by the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Under this new regulation, the state will bear the cost of the first 6 months of wages for newly hired young workers. Furthermore, employers will benefit from an 18-month insurance premium support period, significantly lowering the overhead costs of expanding their teams.

Such incentives are specifically tailored for the manufacturing sector, which serves as the locomotive of the Turkish economy, ensuring that the support bolsters national production and industrial capacity.

Eligibility Criteria for the New Employment Scheme

To ensure the Türkiye Youth Employment Support in 2026 program reaches its intended targets, strict eligibility frameworks have been established. Candidates must be aged between 18 and 25 and be officially registered with İŞKUR. A key requirement is that applicants must not have more than 90 days of long-term insurance premium payments in their history, ensuring the program helps those truly struggling to enter the market.

Additionally, the scheme excludes active university students, foreign nationals, and those employed abroad. By focusing on registered and permanent employment, the government aims to eradicate informal labor and provide a secure career foundation for the next generation of the Turkish workforce.

source: karar