Article
3 min read
Author
Michał Kowalewski
Published
February 28, 2024
Last Update
July 03, 2024
Table of Contents
Essential information for a background check in Turkey
Are background checks legal in Turkey?
What types of background checks are illegal in Turkey?
Common background check industries in Turkey
Types of background checks in Turkey
Background check mistakes to avoid in Turkey
Step-by-step guide to employee background checks in Turkey
Run employee background checks with Deel
Employee background checks should be an integral part of your hiring process in Turkey. Although not mandatory, they are a common practice, especially in finance, healthcare, education, transportation, logistics, government and public sector.
Turkiye boasts impressive GDP growth and a thriving IT sector with over 1.2 million professionals. Competitive labor costs, particularly in major hubs like Istanbul, make it an attractive option for tech companies. Additionally, government initiatives and vocational training programs actively contribute to a skilled talent pool.
By understanding Turkey's advantages and prioritizing responsible recruitment strategies, including an effective screening process, global companies can tap into this promising tech market and secure talented and skilled workers.
In this article, you will discover:
An employee background check is the process of verifying a potential hire’s work history, education, professional qualifications, and any criminal records they might have. It’s particularly beneficial to run before finalizing an employment offer or signing a contract, ensuring the candidate meets the company's standards and requirements.
In Turkey employee background checks are governed by the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK), which is responsible for enforcing the PDPL.
Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL): This law, inspired by the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), governs the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. While not fully compliant with all aspects of the GDPR, the PDPL shares similar principles, prioritizing individual privacy rights.
Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK): The key organization overseeing data protection in Turkey is the Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK). This regulatory body is responsible for enforcing data protection laws, handling complaints, and providing guidance on best practices for data processing and privacy.
While the PDPL doesn't have specific regulations solely focused on background checks, the general principles it outlines, such as transparency, purpose limitation, and data minimization, must be followed during these processes.
Background checks are legal in Turkey, provided that they comply with the regulations outlined in the Personal Data Protection Law.
Employers can conduct background checks on potential employees, but they must obtain the candidate's explicit consent before initiating the process. Although it’s not specified in the law, written consent is recommended for documentation and compliance purposes.
Additionally, the information gathered through background checks must be relevant to the position for which the individual is being considered. Employers are also obligated to handle and store the collected data in a secure manner to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
In Turkey, certain types of background checks are considered illegal or restricted due to privacy and data protection laws. While specific laws regarding background checks may not be as clearly defined as in countries like the US or members of the EU, Turkey's adherence to international standards and its own regulations necessitates careful consideration of what is permissible.
Stay clear of:
Biometric data without consent: Fingerprints, iris scans, and similar require explicit written permission from the candidate
Unauthorized information access: Hacking, buying data from third parties, or exceeding authorized checks are strictly prohibited
Gathering of protected information: Gathering information about a candidate's religious or political affiliations, ethnic background, or health status is strictly forbidden, as it infringes upon the individual's privacy rights
Disregarding data security measures: Failing to implement appropriate security measures to protect collected data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse is against the law
Violations of the Personal Data Protection Law can result in significant penalties. In 2020, the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority imposed fines totaling 6.870.500,00 ₺ for various infringements, such as breaches of data security obligations and failure to comply with the Board's decisions. Penalties ranged from fines to imprisonment, depending on the nature of the violation, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to data protection regulations to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
In Turkey, various industries rely on employee background checks to make informed hiring decisions and mitigate potential risks. Some of the common industries where background checks are prevalent include:
Effective employment screening in Turkey covers essential aspects to evaluate a candidate's abilities. Knowing these areas helps employers tailor screening processes to meet job requirements and legal standards.
Type of Check | Common in Turkey | Reason |
---|---|---|
Criminal Record Check | Common | Screening for past criminal convictions relevant to the job role is a common practice to ensure workplace safety and security |
Employment History | Common | Important for assessing the candidate's work experience, performance, and integrity |
Education Verification | Common | Ensures the candidate possesses the required education and skills for the role |
Credit History Check | Less common | Assessing the candidate's financial integrity through credit history is less common, primarily used in financial services and certain specialized roles where financial responsibility is critical |
Reference Check | Common | Provides insights into the candidate's character and work ethic through past colleagues or supervisors |
Social Media Screening | Less common | While gaining popularity, social media screening is still less common due to privacy considerations, especially in industries where the relevance of personal online activities to job performance is less apparent |
Whether you’re hiring employees or contractors in Turkey, there are a few things you shouldn’t do as an employer when it comes to background checks:
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Doing background checks with Deel has always been good to us! The process is very straightforward. I can easily send a request and receive the results right away. Fast and convenient service!
—Cynthia Le ,
Program manager, Reddit
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