New Requirement for Foreign Workers: Must Know Turkish

The "Cooperation Protocol on Vocational Education Activities," which was first enacted in 2019, has been revised to reflect current conditions. The protocol was signed by Minister of Labor and Social Security Sadık Gardiyanoğlu and Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu.

During the signing ceremony, officials emphasized the importance of aligning vocational codes used by the Labor Department with those of the Education Ministry. Gardiyanoğlu highlighted that foreign workers with work eligibility certificates would need to undergo specific training for work permit renewals or lateral transfers within the same profession.

Gardiyanoğlu also stressed the significance of certifying foreign workers according to criteria set by the Ministry of Education to protect the local skilled labor force. He noted that the changing labor market dynamics have brought many workers from third-world countries to the island in recent years.

Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu stated that the goal is to ensure no one in the workforce remains uncertified. He emphasized the need for conformity between the coding systems of the Labor Ministry and the Education Ministry. The revised protocol includes necessary training and language proficiency requirements for foreign workers, aiming to integrate them better into the local workforce and community.

Foreign workers will now need Hygiene and Sanitation Certificates, Occupational Health and Safety Certificates, and an A2 level Turkish Language Certificate to work in the TRNC.