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Cyprus and China to further liberalise flights between the two counties

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 26, 2024

Cyprus and China are set to sign a bilateral agreement providing for the further liberalisation of flights and strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Transport, the two countries will on 26 September sign a Memorandum of Understanding and a bilateral agreement providing for the further liberalisation of flights between the two countries.

The MoU and the agreement will be signed by Han Jun, Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and Panagiota Demetriou, Director of the Cypriot Civil Aviation Department, following an authorisation by the Council of Ministers.

“This is a very important agreement which aspires to further improve the air connectivity between the two counties, providing an opportunity to increase the number of travellers both for recreation and business activities,” the Ministry said, adding that “the agreement will contribute to the improvement of flight connectivity and commercial transactions between the countries in the Far East and with Europe as well.”

The signing ceremony will take place at the Civil Aviation Department premises in Nicosia at noon local time.

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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 20, 2024

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.