[co-authors: Kayra Üçer, Melike Gençalp]*
(NEW!) Has vaccination been made mandatory in your jurisdiction?
No. Even though Turkey has a very active Covid-19 vaccination policy with the authorization granted to several different vaccines (i.e., CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTec) and the government encourages people to get vaccinated, the vaccination is still voluntary in Turkey.
Can an employer require compulsory vaccination? If yes, are there any exceptions or special circumstances that an employer must consider?
No, an employer cannot require compulsory vaccination, since there is no compulsory Covid-19 vaccination in Turkey.
(NEW!) Can employers require the wearing of masks in the workplace?
Yes. The guidelines published by Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labour and Social Security require employees and external visitors to wear masks at the workplace. Therefore, employers can and should request employees to wear mask in the workplace. They should also remind employees to change masks regularly, especially when it is damp or dirty and to wash their hands before wearing and after taking off a mask, among other precautions against Covid-19.
Can employees refuse to be vaccinated? How does an employer need to balance its obligation to provide a safe work environment with an employee’s rights?
Yes, since the vaccination is on a voluntary basis, employers cannot require vaccination and employees have the right to refuse vaccination. In that case, an employer should seek...
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