National Employment Strategy (2025-2028).

The National Employment Strategy lays down targets, in line with the employment targets of the Twelfth Development Plan. The targets to be achieved by 2028 are, as follows: to reduce unemployment rate to 7.5%, to increase employment rate to 52.5%, to reduce informal employment rate to 23.4%, to increase labour force participation rate to 56.7%, to increase labour force participation rate among women to 40.1%, and to reduce youth unemployment rate to 16.6%. Four key policy areas of the Strategy are: (i) promoting green and digital transformation in the labour market; (ii) enhancing inclusive employment; (iii) strengthening the link between social protection and employment; and (iv) developing sustainable employment in rural areas.
A detailed action plan is attached to the National Employment Strategy. It sets out 88 measures for the implementation of the Strategy. The link between education and employment will be strengthened to ensure a fair and inclusive adaptation of the labour market to green and digital transitions. Skills development will be enhanced according to the green and digital transformation requirements, such as on topics digitalization, circular economy and energy efficiency, and the needs of the labour market. Public-private sector cooperation in vocational and technical education will be increased. Infrastructure will be improved for the modernization and adaptation of the education system at all levels. Analyses will be conducted on the effects of the transformation on working life and regional reflections, with priority given to sectors within the scope of the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism. In line with the findings of the analysis, just transition roadmaps will be prepared for priority sectors or regions.
Workforce participation will be increased among women, youth not engaged in education or employment (NEETs), people with disabilities, the elderly, and international migrant workers. Priority will be given to these groups in terms of securing decent working conditions. Equal opportunities will be provided for both men and women in business life by increasing women's participation in the labour market and employment rates. Support will be given to women's cooperatives in terms of production, sales and marketing, especially through training, consultancy, projects and financial support.
The coverage of social protection and its link to employment will be expanded. Measures will be taken to protect fundamental rights in working life, combat discrimination, support decent work and address the barriers to workforce participation. The effectiveness of protective and preventive mechanisms will be increased in order to prevent child labour. The legislative infrastructure regarding the employment of child and young workers will be strengthened. Awareness-raising activities will be carried out throughout the country on the importance of formal employment and social security rights and obligations. The employment of groups affected by extraordinary situations such as disasters, emergencies and epidemics will be supported.
Economic diversity will be boosted in rural areas. Measures will be taken to curb migration to cities, and expand access to formal and inclusive employment. Agricultural extension services will be activated to increase the education and qualification level of the workforce. Occupational standards and qualifications will be prepared for new professions emerging in the fields of smart agriculture, soilless agriculture and irrigation practices. Awareness will be raised among entrepreneurs about funding mechanisms regarding agricultural production and livestock supports. The working and living conditions of seasonal agricultural workers will be improved through effective public services. In order to ensure the continuity of agricultural production and ensure that producers earn sufficient income, efforts will be made to expand agricultural producer unions, agricultural credit cooperatives and agricultural sales cooperatives. Regional analysis studies will be conducted for rural development and alternative income sources will be created.