work permits

Illegal work , ‘a problem for all’

by
Illegal work , ‘a problem for all’

Illegal and undeclared work in Cyprus is a growing trend, particularly in the construction industry, where it is approaching 25%. The Cyprus economy relies on employing people other than Cypriots, but this needs to be done with appropriate regulations. Third country personnel are attracted through illegal procedures in the promise of a job. The construction sector contributes about 15% to the island’s GDP, with optimistic forecasts for 2024. There are currently 40 projects underway in the construction sector worth €862 million.

Cyprus receives LGBT human rights score of 34 per cent

by
Cyprus receives LGBT human rights score of 34 per cent

Cyprus was given a score of 34 per cent for the human rights situation and living standards of its LGBT population.

Doctors warn of illegal hair transplants in north

by
Doctors warn of illegal hair transplants in north

Turkish Cypriot doctors warned of unlicensed individuals performing hair transplants in the north. One person posing as a doctor escaped from a police raid and is currently on the loose. The doctors called on the north’s ‘health ministry’ to carry out more effective and adequate inspections on medical premises.

Our View: Labour minister shows a clear bias in his decisions

by
Our View: Labour minister shows a clear bias in his decisions

The government has decided to institutionalize direct dialogue with the business community, allowing for collaboration and sharing of plans. President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of businesses in economic development and announced the formation of an advisory tripartite committee to address labor market needs. However, the Labour Minister has shown bias towards unions in labor disputes, potentially hindering business development.

Five accused of working illegally in Paphos

by
Five accused of working illegally in Paphos

Five people, aged between 19 and 28, were charged in writing of working illegally in Paphos. They were carrying out construction work without being officially listed as employees and without having work permits. The man who allegedly employed them, a 36-year-old, was also charged in writing.

Russia needs new approach to migration after concert attack, Putin says

by
Russia needs new approach to migration after concert attack, Putin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a new approach to migration after Tajiks living in Russia were detained for a deadly attack on a concert hall outside Moscow. Islamic State claimed responsibility, but Russia suspects Ukraine’s involvement. Putin emphasized the need to update migration policy to ensure only those who respect Russian culture can live and work in the country. Despite limitations, migrants from Central Asia play a vital role in Russia’s economy. Putin stressed the importance of preserving interethnic harmony and cultural identity. Tajiks have been leaving Russia since the attack, with reports of police raids against unregistered migrants.

Canada plans to reduce temporary residents, cap future intake

by
Canada plans to reduce temporary residents, cap future intake

Canada plans to reduce its temporary residents and set a cap on temporary immigration for the first time, aiming to address a housing shortage and stretched essential services. The government intends to decrease temporary residents to 5% of the total population over the next three years from 6.5% in 2023, which is about a 20% cut from the 2.5 million temporary residents in 2023. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the plan and will meet with provincial and territorial counterparts in May to finalize it. The government will also include temporary resident arrivals in the immigration levels plan starting this fall. Additionally, Canada announced a two-year cap on the intake of foreign students and will stop issuing work permits to some students after graduation.

Private education: rushing to meet growing demand

by
Private education: rushing to meet growing demand

English language schools in Cyprus are experiencing significant growth due to the influx of foreign companies and the arrival of families from regions experiencing conflict, such as Israel and Ukraine. This surge in demand has led to expansions and new school openings across the island, particularly in Limassol, which has seen a notable increase in students due to the Russian presence prior to the Ukrainian conflict. Both local and international families are seeking high-quality education with English as the medium of instruction, influenced by factors such as Cyprus’s EU membership, remote work opportunities, and regional conflicts. However, this growth is challenged by regulations on class sizes, bureaucratic delays, and difficulties in recruiting staff and obtaining work permits for prospective employees. Despite these challenges, the commitment to education remains strong among Cypriot families, who are willing to make financial sacrifices for their children’s education, viewing it as a crucial investment.

Knowledge of Greek set to impact work permits

by
Knowledge of Greek set to impact work permits

Knowledge of Greek will be a key factor in the renewal of work permits and for new foreign applicants, according to Minister of Labour Yiannis Panayiotou. Despite a clampdown on illegal work, there is still a shortage in the domestic workforce to meet the island’s labor needs. Priority for employment will be given to the unemployed and students from third countries already residing in Cyprus. Proficiency in Greek will be required, especially for long-term employees in the service sectors. A satisfactory level of Greek will expedite the examination of work applications. A campaign to attract EU workers is also in progress, involving bilateral agreements with accession states and third countries for the utilization of medium and low-skilled workers. Inspections will increase to 10,000 in 2024, up from 6,000 in 2023.