Expat Advice: Working in Izmir, Turkey

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Share Your Experiences Working Abroad

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Izmir

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

The main industries in the area are textile industries. Career opportunities in Izmir for Expatriate are really weak. Most of the expatriates come for the H/O based abroad.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

I am IT & Control Manager in the retailing sector. Basically, I am in charge of the operational finance control and the IT development. This job was offered to me because of the past collaboration between my current company and my old employer.

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

My current employer was is charge of all administrative documents. Mainly, they applied in Ankara to get my working permit. Once cleared, they applied in Izmir for the Resident Permit (called Ikamet). I took a month to have it. Attention: 1) no way to clear removal container without Ikamet. 2) Ikamet is givent for the passport duration with the maximum working permit period.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

I took Turkish courses 3 hours a week during 3 months. I gave up because of time. It did not help me due to the fact that all my team is speaking either English or French.

If you were transferred abroad by your employer, were you guaranteed a job upon repatriation? What type of mentoring programs does your employer offer?

The structure of the capital is 100% from izmir. But to develop it they recruited abroad.

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