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New Legislation To Bolster Cyprus’s Position In Collective Investment Schemes

The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) recently announced a new legislative initiative aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s position in the global arena of collective investment schemes. As reported, this development marks a significant step forward for the Cypriot financial sector, positioning it as a more competitive and attractive destination for investment funds.

Overview of the Legislation

The new legislation introduces several reforms designed to enhance the regulatory framework governing collective investment schemes in Cyprus. These reforms are intended to align Cyprus with international best practices, ensuring that the country remains an attractive and competitive location for fund managers and investors.

Key aspects of the legislation include:

  1. Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: The new measures will bolster the regulatory oversight of investment funds, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. This will help mitigate risks and protect investors, fostering greater confidence in the Cypriot financial market.
  2. Streamlined Processes: The legislation aims to simplify administrative procedures, making it easier and more efficient to establish and operate investment funds in Cyprus. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the country can attract more fund managers and streamline operations for existing ones.
  3. Tax Incentives: To further attract international investment, the legislation includes provisions for favourable tax treatment of investment funds. These incentives are designed to make Cyprus a more appealing jurisdiction for collective investments, enhancing its competitive edge in the global market.
  4. Innovation and Flexibility: The reforms promote innovation within the investment funds sector by providing greater flexibility in fund structures and operations. This includes accommodating a variety of investment strategies and asset classes, which can attract a broader range of investors.

The introduction of this legislation is poised to have several positive implications for Cyprus’s economy and its financial sector.

The financial industry in Cyprus has welcomed the new legislation, recognising its potential to drive growth and enhance the country’s position in the global investment landscape. The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) has been a key advocate for these reforms, highlighting the benefits they bring to both local and international stakeholders.

Industry experts anticipate that the reforms will attract a new wave of investment funds to Cyprus, leveraging the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and favourable business environment. The legislative changes are seen as a proactive move to adapt to the evolving global financial landscape and meet the needs of modern investors.

New Decrees For Blue Card And Foreign Students: Key Changes And Implications

The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance has announced a series of new measures aimed at addressing the increasing demands of Cyprus’ labor market. These initiatives are designed to attract highly skilled professionals from third countries and broaden employment opportunities for foreign students in select fields, as outlined in the recent Decrees published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.

Attracting Skilled Professionals

One of the key updates is the introduction of a minimum annual salary for foreign professionals, which has been set at €43,632, 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Cyprus. This salary threshold applies to individuals coming to work in sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), pharmaceuticals for research purposes, and maritime industries (excluding skippers and crew).

Expanded Employment Options For Foreign Students

The new regulations also provide an update on the employment rights of foreign students. From December 2024, students from third countries will be able to work in Cyprus, with the new rules replacing the previous March 2024 start date.

Students studying ICT who have completed their first academic semester will be eligible to work in occupations related to their field of study, thereby gaining practical experience while pursuing their education.

In response to critical sector shortages, the regulations also clarify the specific occupations and salaries that Blue Card holders—third-country nationals—will be eligible for in Cyprus. The Blue Card, in line with the European Directive, allows highly skilled professionals to live and work in EU member states.

Strengthening The Labor Market and Economy

These updates are expected to bolster the supply of specialized workers in key sectors, addressing existing gaps and promoting the continued growth of Cyprus’ economy. At the same time, the new measures offer foreign students enhanced opportunities for professional development, facilitating their seamless integration into the country’s workforce.

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