A foreign journalist's ability to work in Turkey passes through two separate doors: a work permit and a press card. The second depends on the first.
The Basic Prohibition
The second paragraph of Art. 6 of International Labour Force Law No. 6735: it is prohibited for foreigners within the scope of this Law to work or be employed in Turkey without a work permit.
The third paragraph of the same article leaves an exception open: foreigners who, under other statutes or under bilateral or multilateral agreements or international conventions to which Turkey is a party, are stated to be able to work without obtaining a work permit, may work or be employed without obtaining a work permit under this Law.
Its Connection with the Press Card
The second paragraph of the same article extends that to those requesting a temporary card: a work permit under Law No. 6735 must also be obtained for those who are not insured under subparagraph (a) of the first paragraph of Art. 4 of Law No. 5510 and who request a temporary press card.
Where Is the Application Made?
Art. 7: work permit applications are made in Turkey directly to the Ministry, and abroad to Turkish embassies or consulates general in the country of which the foreigner is a national or in which they are lawfully present. Applications made abroad are transmitted to the Ministry by the representations.
The same article provides that applications may also be made by an authorised intermediary body. Art. 3 defines an authorised intermediary body as an institution or organisation whose qualities and framework of duties are determined by regulation and which is authorised by the Ministry.
The Practical Chain
| Step | What is done | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The organisation issues the assignment document | Press Card Reg. Art. 9/1-a |
| 2 | A press member visa is obtained from a Turkish representation, or a work visa from the Ministry | Press Card Reg. Art. 40/1-b |
| 3 | A work permit application is made | Law No. 6735 Arts. 6, 7 |
| 4 | A letter of introduction is obtained from the representation in Turkey of the country of the head office | Press Card Reg. Art. 9/1-c |
| 5 | The press card application is made through the electronic form | Press Card Reg. Art. 40 |
Exceptional Assessment
The second paragraph of Art. 9 of the Press Card Regulation provides that applications within that scope are assessed exceptionally within the framework of Art. 16 of Law No. 6735. We cover this in the exceptional assessment guide.
Residence Is a Separate Matter
Work permit and residence permit are separate regimes. We cover the residence side in the residence permit guide.
Reciprocity
Art. 9 of the Press Card Regulation provides that where the conditions are met a press card of the appropriate type may be issued by the Directorate, having regard also to the principle of reciprocity. We cover the effect of that principle in the reciprocity guide.
Summary
- It is prohibited for foreigners to work in Turkey without a work permit (Law No. 6735 Art. 6/2).
- The Press Card Regulation makes a work permit under Law No. 6735 a condition of the press card.
- Applications are made in Turkey to the Ministry and abroad to Turkish representations; they may also be made by an authorised intermediary body.