Turkey May Expand “Green Passport” Eligibility
Turkey Considers Expanding Eligibility for the “Green Passport”
Two separate bills have been submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, proposing to expand the range of citizens who may qualify for the special passport commonly known as the “green passport.”
The new initiatives concern three professional groups: pilots, engineers and architects. The bills have been submitted to the Internal Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye for consideration.
Important: these are currently only legislative proposals. The new rules have not entered into force.
Who Could Become Eligible for the “Green Passport”
The first bill proposes allowing civil aviation pilots to obtain the special passport.
Under the proposal, pilots would be eligible if they have at least five years of active flight experience after obtaining their licence.
The authors of the initiative cite difficulties pilots can face when travelling abroad. In particular, visa procedures may complicate participation in international training, flight tests and aircraft delivery operations.
The bill’s justification states that lengthy visa procedures can lead to additional costs and loss of time, while delays in obtaining visas can limit pilots’ participation in international professional activities.
What Is Proposed for Engineers and Architects
The second bill concerns engineers and architects. Under the proposal, the special passport could be granted to professionals who are members of professional organizations operating within the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) and who have at least 10 years of professional experience.
The initiative argues that the change would make it easier for specialists to participate in international events related to professional development.
- international conferences;
- professional seminars;
- training programmes abroad;
- technical and industry events.
According to the authors of the proposal, international events give professionals an opportunity to gain new knowledge and exchange experience with colleagues from other countries.
Additional Requirement for Obtaining the Passport
Both bills include an additional condition for potential holders of the special passport.
Applicants must not be under investigation or criminal prosecution for offences covered by Türkiye’s legislation on combating terrorism.
What Does the “Green Passport” Offer in Türkiye?
The so-called “green passport” officially belongs to the category of special passports known as hususi damgalı pasaport.
It allows holders to travel without obtaining a visa in advance to many countries. However, specific entry rules depend on the destination country and the length of the stay.
Who Can Currently Obtain a “Green Passport”?
Under the current rules, certain categories of citizens in Türkiye can qualify for a special passport if they meet the conditions established by law.
- civil servants in the first, second and third grades, as well as certain retirees from these positions;
- former members of parliament and former ministers;
- mayors who meet the relevant legal requirements;
- certain categories of athletes;
- employees of certain public institutions and organizations who meet the applicable conditions;
- representatives of companies that meet specific export criteria;
- lawyers who have been registered with a bar association for at least 15 years and meet other legal requirements.
When Could the New Rules Take Effect?
For now, pilots, engineers and architects do not automatically have a new right to the special passport. The legislative proposals must go through the parliamentary process.
- Review by the relevant committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
- Debate and voting in the General Assembly of Parliament.
- If approved, completion of the procedures required for the amendments to enter into force.
Therefore, it is currently more accurate to describe the situation as a proposal to expand the list of eligible recipients, rather than an expansion that is already in effect. Whether the initiatives will become law, and what the final conditions for each professional group will be, will be determined after parliamentary consideration.
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Follow Life in Turkey →Source: information on the legislative proposals submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
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