No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Turkey under the 2023 amendments to the Child Protection Law (Law No. 5395) and the Labor Code (Law No. 4857), enforced by the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR). Exceptions exist only for light agricultural work with strict parental and provincial approvals, but hazardous or industrial labor remains prohibited. Violations trigger fines up to ₺150,000 and criminal liability for employers.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Turkey
- Absolute Prohibition: The 2023 amendments to Law No. 5395 and Law No. 4857 explicitly ban employment of children under 14 in all sectors, including family-run businesses, except for light agricultural tasks with provincial governorate permits.
- Permissible Exceptions: Only children aged 12–13 may engage in light agricultural work (e.g., harvesting seasonal crops) under parental consent and provincial approval, with daily working hours capped at 2 hours and no night shifts.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: The Ministry of Family and Social Services, via provincial directorates, conducts unannounced inspections, while İŞKUR monitors compliance in workplaces. Employers failing to adhere face administrative fines (₺50,000–₺150,000 per child) and potential criminal charges under Article 232 of the Turkish Penal Code.