Employers are required to notify the Governorship of private security personnel who start working and those who leave their position at the workplace. In practice, it has been observed that employers are often unaware of when they must legally fulfil this obligation and what penalties may apply if it is not met.

Required Timeframes for Notification

Law on Private Security Services No. 5188

Under this law:

• Security personnel who begin duty must be reported to the Governorship within fifteen days by the employer.
• Security personnel who leave their position for any reason must also be reported to the Governorship within fifteen days by the employer.

Security personnel are issued an identity card by the Governorship, which displays the security officer's name, surname, and whether they are armed or unarmed. This ID card must be visibly worn on the uniform within the scope and duration of duty. Without a valid ID card, a private security officer cannot exercise the authorities prescribed in the law. Notifications of commencement and termination of employment are submitted by employers through the ÖGNET system. Failure to complete the notification within the required timeframe may result in an administrative fine, so employers should act with due diligence.

Administrative Fines and Sanctions

Under Article 20 of the Law on Private Security Services No. 5188, employers who fail to submit the required notifications on time may be subject to an administrative fine. For example, in 2024 the fine amount was set at 27,339.00 Turkish Lira (adjusted for public receivables). The Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Private Security Services stipulates that where a notification obligation is not fulfilled within the statutory timeframe, the employer will be given at least seven days to present a defence. If the defence is found insufficient, the administrative fine may be imposed with approval by the district governor or provincial governor.