With this minimum wage, living in Alanya is IMPOSSIBLE! Both workers and shopkeepers will be finished

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security has set the minimum wage for 2025 at 22,104 liras. After this decision, there has been an increase in various areas, such as unemployment benefits, GSS premiums, and BES deductions, and representatives of shopkeepers have drawn attention to the increasing burden of Bağ-Kur premiums and insurance costs.

As of 2025, Bağ-Kur premiums have been updated in line with the minimum wage. Employers will be able to make payments at a discounted rate of 7,735 liras if they pay regularly. However, this is not the only expense for employers. In addition to premiums for social security (SGK) for employees, employers must cover various costs, including temporary taxes, annual declarations, stamp duties, and accounting fees.

Shopkeepers work as a family

Hüseyin Değirmenci, President of the Restaurant and Cafeteria Owners Association, pointed out that the increase in SGK premiums further increases the financial burden on shopkeepers and said: "The problems in the economy are reflected in our shopkeepers. Growing payment obligations force shopkeepers to work as a family. We hope that the Ministry of Labor and Social Security will create a balance that protects the rights of both employers and employees. Additionally, support through İŞ-KUR can alleviate the financial burden on shopkeepers."

Tourism's impact on small businesses is minimal

Ali Akkaya, President of the Drivers' Association, stated that shopkeepers in Alanya are largely dependent on tourism, but tourism does not contribute enough to small businesses. Akkaya said: "Even though the number of tourists has increased, the all-inclusive concept prevents tourists from leaving the hotel. A tourist who leaves for home without visiting Alanya Castle does not provide economic benefit to the city's shopkeepers."

Akkaya reminded that in the 2022-2023 season, due to the Russia-Ukraine war, expatriates and tourists coming to the region provided significant support to local shopkeepers, but in the new year, increased Bağ-Kur premiums and other costs will further burden the shopkeepers.

High expectations for support

Representatives of small businesses, who are expecting support from authorities to ease the financial burdens for both employers and employees, especially demand payment facilitation and reductions in SGK premiums.