09March2026

Increase in Maternity and Paternity Leave: Proposed Amendments

The "Draft Law on Amendments to the Social Services Law and Certain Other Laws," dated March 4, 2026, introduces proposed improvements to maternity and paternity leave in order to support the healthy development of children and strengthen family unity.

These proposed amendments aim to support employees' family life and enhance work–life balance.

Amendments to the Labour Law – Comparative Summary

Topic	Current Regulation	Proposed Regulation	Effect
Postnatal maternity leave	8 weeks after childbirth	16 weeks after childbirth	The duration of postnatal leave is doubled.
Total maternity leave	16 weeks (8+8)	24 weeks (8+16)	Total maternity leave increases by 8 weeks.
Working period close to childbirth	The employee may work until 3 weeks before childbirth	The employee may work until 2 weeks before childbirth	The working period before childbirth is shortened by 1 week.
Paternity leave	5 days of paid leave	10 days of paid leave	The duration of leave is doubled.
Foster Parent Leave	No regulation	10 days after the child is placed with the foster family	A new type of leave is introduced.

Conclusion and Recommendations

With the proposed amendments to Labour Law No. 4857, it is planned to increase certain leave periods related to childbirth and family life.

The key proposed changes are summarized as follows:

Increasing the duration of postnatal leave and extending the total maternity leave period
Extending the duration of paternity leave
Introducing a new leave entitlement for employees who become foster parents

These changes aim to to support employees' family life. From an employer's perspective, it would be beneficial to review leave planning and human resources processes in consideration of these proposed amendments.

Further information will be provided should the draft law be enacted.

You may access the relevant draft law here. (In Turkish)

Author Ümit Kır, Category Labor Law

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