The Republic of Turkey designates its employed personnel as civil servants and grants them certain privileges while imposing specific restrictions.
For this reason, one of the most frequently asked questions is: “What activities is a civil servant prohibited from doing?”
The government has codified the rules that apply to every public employee in a law. The common reference to being “subject to Law No. 657” comes from this legislation. The activities civil servants are not allowed to undertake are clearly defined in Law No. 657.
What Is Law No. 657?
Law No. 657 applies to civil servants working in General and Annexed Budget Institutions, Special Provincial Administrations, Municipalities, unions established by Special Provincial Administrations and Municipalities and their revolving funds, funds established by law, guarantee funds, and Regional Directorate of Physical Education organizations. Provisions of this law also include special rules that apply to contracted and temporary personnel where specified.
In short, all employees whose insurance and salaries are paid by the state are considered civil servants and are governed by the provisions of Law No. 657. This law contains rules on how a civil servant should perform duties, the rules they must follow, and the activities they are prohibited from carrying out.
Prohibited Activities for Civil Servants
Civil servants subject to Law No. 657 may not engage in any trade or craftsman activities. They cannot run a business, open a shop, office, or agency, or conduct commercial activities as merchants or tradespeople.
If a spouse or a child of a civil servant begins to engage in such commercial activities, the civil servant must notify their employing government institution within 15 days.
Civil servants may not become partners in any company or purchase shares of a company. They are barred from entering into company partnerships and cannot act as commercial agents.
Civil servants are also prohibited from being members of associations such as construction, development cooperatives, or professional organizations. An exception exists if membership is required due to the nature of the civil servant’s official duties.
Under the same provisions, it is strictly forbidden for a civil servant to accept gifts or benefits that could create a conflict of interest.
Penalties for Trading by Civil Servants
Law No. 657 expressly forbids civil servants from engaging in trade as merchants.
If a civil servant is found to be earning income from commercial activities or engaging in any prohibited activity listed in the law, they may be sanctioned with a step advancement penalty (kademe ilerlemesinin durdurulması). A civil servant punished with this sanction will not receive any future promotions beyond their current position.
If a sanctioned employee is later found to be earning income through the same or other prohibited means, they may face dismissal from public service.
What Activities Can Civil Servants Perform?
Civil servants may engage in activities that do not interfere with their official duties, do not exploit the authority of their position, and do not damage the trust and reputation of public service. For example, a teacher who is a civil servant may provide private tutoring outside of working hours and on weekends, and earn income from such tutoring. However, the important condition is that private tutoring or the institutions where they work must be authorized by the Ministry of National Education. Providing lessons in unregistered religious or community-affiliated classrooms or institutions is strictly prohibited.
In addition to permitted educational activities, civil servants may buy and sell stocks.
They may receive income from agricultural or real estate activities.
Civil servants are also allowed to participate in educational and training activities as well as social responsibility projects, provided these activities do not conflict with the rules and duties set by Law No. 657.