Turkey Plans to Extend Parental Leave as Part of 2025

The Turkish government has begun drafting a new legal framework to expand parental leave rights for working mothers and fathers, as part of its plan to designate 2025 as the “Year of the Family.”
The proposal marks a significant shift in family and labor policy, aiming to strengthen support for parents in the workforce.

Maternity Leave to Be Extended to 20 Weeks

Under current labor law, female employees in Turkey are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave—eight weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth.
According to the government’s latest proposal, this total period would be extended by four additional weeks, bringing it to 20 weeks of paid leave.

This change is part of a broader effort to improve work-life balance and encourage higher female participation in the labor force, while also aligning Turkish labor policies more closely with European family welfare standards.

Paternity Leave May Double

The reform also includes a major update for fathers.
Currently, both public and private sector employees in Turkey are granted five days of paid paternity leave after childbirth.

Under the new proposal, the duration would double to 10 days, reflecting a growing recognition of fathers’ role in early childcare and family well-being.

A Step Toward Family-Oriented Labor Reform

Government officials have emphasized that the upcoming law is part of a wider “Family Strengthening” strategy, which may also include:

• Flexible work arrangements for parents,

• Additional childcare support programs, and

• Incentives for employers who adopt family-friendly workplace policies.

The proposal is still under development, with details expected to be finalized and submitted to parliament in the coming months.