Within the scope of the new regulation that came into force after being published in the Official Gazette, the duration of maternity leave was increased to a total of 24 weeks. While the paid leave period after birth was previously 8 weeks, this period was increased to 16 weeks with the change. Thus, working women had the right to a total of 24 weeks of paid leave, including 8 weeks before birth and 16 weeks after birth.
The application process for mothers who want to benefit from an additional 8 weeks of leave within the scope of the regulation will end at the end of working hours today. Who can benefit from the right to additional leave? Female employees who gave birth after October 16, 2025 and have not completed the 24-week total leave period will be able to apply for additional leave. Applications will be made through a petition submitted to the institution where you work.
❗️Today is the last day for additional maternity leave applications. Applications are being completed today for mothers who want to benefit from the 8-week leave right added to the maternity leave period with the new regulation. Mothers who fall within the scope of the temporary article must submit a statement stating that they wish to take additional leave… pic.twitter.com/xU95qUBjXA — T.R. Ministry of Family and Social Services (@tcailesosyal) May 15, 2026 Working mothers who have already completed their maternity leave but have not completed the period introduced by the new regulation will also be able to benefit from the right to additional leave.
How Will the Application Process Work? For the prenatal leave process, expectant mothers must obtain a report from the health institution as “able to work” or “on leave” in the 32nd week of pregnancy. Then, it will be sufficient to submit a petition to the employer along with the relevant document. If the health condition is appropriate and a doctor’s approval is obtained, the working woman will be able to extend her working period before giving birth.
With the new regulation, the mandatory prenatal leave period has been reduced from 3 weeks to 2 weeks. Unpaid Leave Right for Foster Families. Within the scope of the legal change, new rights were also granted to employees who are foster families. Employees who take in one or more children with foster family status will be able to take 10 days of unpaid leave if they request, starting from the child’s delivery date.
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