Amendments to Civil Servants Law Accepted: A New Era for Public Employees
In a historic move, the Turkish Grand National Assembly has passed the State Civil Servants Law and Some Laws and Decree Laws Amendment Bill, bringing significant changes to the civil service sector. The bill, which focused on regulations for state officials, was hotly debated in the General Assembly before being approved and enacted into law.
Key Changes and Implications
One of the most notable amendments in the bill is the provision allowing officials who have not received any disciplinary penalties for eight years to benefit from an additional grade privilege. This adjustment will also apply to those transitioning from contractual positions to civil service roles under the State Civil Servants Law and Certain Laws, as well as Decree Laws No. 663.
Moreover, individuals who were previously removed from managerial positions under Article 375 of the Decree Law and subsequently voluntarily resigned from civil service can now reapply for their former positions without undergoing additional security checks or meeting other conditions mentioned in the law.
Impacts on International Assignments and Specialized Roles
For civil servants assigned to international organizations where Turkey is a member or to overseas branches of public institutions, their spouses who become civil servants will now be granted unpaid leave for a duration not exceeding three years during their assignments abroad.
Additionally, candidates appointed as assistant specialists will be eligible to take a competency exam after working for a minimum of three years and having their specialization thesis approved by a designated thesis jury. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance will have the authority to declare force majeure in exceptional circumstances.
Streamlining Administrative Processes and Personnel Management
The amendments also address the promotion processes for judges, prosecutors, and other administrative positions, streamlining the procedures for personnel transfers to other public institutions based on operational needs. Temporary personnel no longer required for duty may be reassigned or released from their positions before the end of their designated term.
Furthermore, individuals who have completed a specific training program and passed a competency exam for central administrative positions may now be appointed to similar roles within the Presidential Administrative Affairs Directorate after serving a minimum of three years as rapporteurs.
These changes mark a significant shift in the civil service landscape, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the public sector while providing new opportunities for career advancement and professional development for civil servants across various roles and responsibilities.
