Ministry of Home Affairs clarifies public employee salary increments

The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided clarifications regarding whether professional work experience gained prior to being recruited as a public employee can be used to calculate salary increases.

Addressing inquiries from employees who previously worked in professional roles at minimum wage levels before transitioning to autonomous public service units, the Ministry cited the Law on Public Employees. The Ministry noted that changes in job positions are decided by competent authorities based on standards, conditions, and organizational needs, ensuring transparency and legality. Specific decrees, such as Decree No. 232/2026 and Decree No. 259/2026, govern job positions and the recruitment and management of public employees.

Regarding the calculation of work duration, the Ministry addressed questions about the requirement for “5 years of work experience” under Decree No. 170/2025. The regulation specifies that for those being considered for recruitment, work experience can be accumulated, including previous work periods in relevant positions, provided they have made mandatory social insurance contributions and have not received a lump-sum social insurance payout.