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Stakeholders To Address Employment Of Foreign Workers In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 7, 2024

In a pivotal meeting today, the Ministry of Labour in Cyprus convenes the inaugural session of the advisory tripartite committee to discuss the employment of foreign workers. This committee, chaired by Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou, will review data on work visa applications and address aspects of a three-point agreement established in April.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Trade unions are expected to raise concerns about the recent agreement with Egypt regarding Egyptian workers, citing a lack of consultation. Additionally, unions are advocating for a revision of the current foreign worker licensing strategy, which they argue lacks transparency due to the disbanding of advisory technical committees that previously reviewed foreign work permit applications.

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Focus on Collaboration and Worker Welfare

The meeting will also address a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aims to:

Enhance collaboration between social partners through a central advisory tripartite committee.
Improve living conditions for foreign workers by setting housing standards and monitoring compliance.
Update the existing strategy for employing third-country nationals to ensure a mutually agreed-upon framework.

This initiative underscores the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to addressing the needs and welfare of foreign workers while ensuring that the domestic labour market operates efficiently and transparently. As Cyprus continues to navigate the complexities of its labour market, this meeting marks a significant step towards more effective and equitable employment practices for foreign workers.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.