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Cyprus Employers Fined Heavily for Illegal Migrant Employment

by News Editor

May 4, 2025

In a significant crackdown on illegal employment practices, 24 employers in Cyprus have been collectively fined €156,000. This enforcement action follows an intensive investigation by the Aliens and Immigration Service (YAM), spanning from April 25 to May 2, 2025.

The investigation revealed 34 migrants working illegally across 20 different cases. While all 24 employers will face court proceedings, the fines administered are currently administrative. Under current legislation, these illegal practices can lead to a prison term of up to five years, a fine of €20,000, or both.

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Further ramifications are expected as each employer may incur additional fines per immigrant worker from the labour inspection department. As Cyprus continues to develop its marketplace strategies, the focus on combating illegal employment remains resolute. Police promise ongoing inspections across hotels, buildings, and catering establishments to further this cause.

In related statistics, from 2024 to 2025, there were 512 reported cases of illegal employment, leading to court charges against 499 employers and the arrest of 799 migrant workers. This underscores the importance of ensuring compliance with immigration laws as part of efforts to refine the Cypriot workforce landscape.

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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.

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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.