RELO NEWS
The minimum salary for foreign workers has increased to TRY 1,647 per month (approximately USD 542.55). Although the minimum salary level is usually reviewed every six months, this amount will remain consistent for 2016.
In addition to the minimum salary requirement, foreign employees must be paid at least the amount a local employee in the same position would earn.
As a follow-up to its plans to introduce a new points system last year, the Ministry of Labor (MOL) has proposed to ease the qualifications and criteria for hiring foreign nationals to provide more options for sponsors to recruit qualified white-collar foreign workers.
Employers would be able to utilize the proposed or existing application scheme when applying for a work permit, depending on the worker’s qualifications and technical skills.
On or after January 1, 2016, non-cash benefits such as housing, cars and meals provided by the employer and travel expenses, among other allowances, will likely no longer be included in the minimum salary calculation for foreign workers in Germany, according to a published decision by the German Federal Employment Agency (FEA). The decision has not yet been fully interpreted and is subject to change.
