PHL Embassy in Ankara Conducts Post Arrival Orientation Seminar with Focus on Turkish Labor and Migration Laws and Financial Literacy

Filipino nationals in Istanbul, Turkey listen to Labour Expert Ms. Necla Uz speak about the work permit system and relevant labor laws in Turkey affecting foreign workers during the Post Arrival Orientation Seminar in Lazonni Hotel, Istanbul on July 23 (Photo credits: Lorena Joy Banagodos)

07 August 2017, ANKARA — The Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Turkey conducted its first Post Arrival Orientation Seminar in the Lazonni Hotel, Istanbul, on July 23 with speakers from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (CSGB) based in Ankara; the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) - Provincial Office in Istanbul; and Pag-IBIG London.

Labour Expert of the General Directorate of the International Labour Force of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (CSGB) Ms. Necla Uz, provided an overview of Turkey’s work permit system, contract violations and maltreatment, the legal use of intermediaries approved by ISKUR, penalties for employers and workers if found to be violating Turkey's labor laws, and equal coverage of foreign workers under the Law on International Labour Force (Law no. 6735). 

Provincial Migration Expert-Harmonization and Communication Working Group Leader of Directorate General for Migration Management (DGMM)-Istanbul Mr. Selçuk Şatana, discussed the Law on Foreigners and International Protection in 2013 and the establishment of DGMM in Turkey. He also touched on visas for persons requiring international protection and victims of human trafficking; and deportation proceedings for persons illegally staying in Turkey.

Provincial Migration Expert and Residence Permit Working Group Leader of DGMM-Istanbul Mr. Cengiz Hişman, on the other hand discussed the residence permit system of Turkey. Both DGMM speakers reiterated Turkey's policy of not looking at what it can get from foreign workers but the contribution that foreign workers provide for Turkey's economy.

Member Services Officer of Pag-Ibig London Mr. Cengiz Hişman, encouraged the participants to review their investment, saving and spending habits and introduced Pag-Ibig's membership, savings and loan program.

The seminar was attended by over 80 participants in Istanbul and was broadcast through Facebook Live, which generated more viewers from all over Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Russia, and the Philippines. The speakers engaged the participants in an open forum that served to clarify issues and misconceptions about Turkey's work and residence permit system and visa regulations. They also reassured the participants to come forward with their questions and problems so that they can avail of equal protection under Turkish law. The Embassy also provided the seminar participants with general information on Turkey, some Do's and Don’ts and the work of the Philippine Embassy.

For more information, visit www.ankarape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinTurkey.

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Provincial Migration Expert - Harmonization and Communication Working Group Leader of Directorate General for Migration Management (DGMM)-Istanbul Mr. Selçuk Şatana, discussed the Law on Foreigners and International Protection in 2013 and the establishment of DGMM in Turkey, during the Post Arrival Orientation Seminar in Lazonni Hotel, Istanbul Turkey on July 23. (Photo credits: Lorena Joy Banagodos)