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Cyprus Hotels Pledge Fully Staffed Operations Amid Improved Foreign Worker Permitting

In a significant development for Cyprus’s tourism industry, hotel associations PASYXE and STEK announced that hotels are set to operate without staffing shortages this year. This assurance follows a series of effective actions by the Ministry of Labour, which expedited the work permit process for foreign workers. Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou highlighted that, by the end of May, over 95% of applications had been processed, reducing the average permit processing time from over five months to less than two.

This accelerated process is a result of enhanced IT systems and strategic international agreements, addressing the critical labour needs of the tourism sector. The Ministry’s proactive measures ensure that the industry’s staffing requirements are met, allowing businesses to maintain high service standards during the peak season. Additionally, efforts to utilise local labour have contributed to a decrease in unemployment, though the domestic workforce alone cannot meet the sector’s extensive demands.

The successful collaboration between the Ministry, tourism associations, and other stakeholders has led to these improvements. The agreement for better coordination among social partners played a crucial role, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective efforts in resolving labour market challenges. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, also acknowledged the broader significance of these improvements, noting that labour issues affect tourism industries globally.

This development is expected to help Cyprus achieve another successful tourism season, following a record-breaking year in 2023. The continued focus on efficient permitting processes and collaboration between the public and private sectors will be essential for sustaining growth and ensuring the competitiveness of Cyprus’s tourism industry.

UAE Job Trends For 2025: High-Demand And Lucrative Roles Revealed

The UAE’s flourishing asset management sector, bolstered by rising investor interest, regulatory advancements, and a surge in Family Offices and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), is driving demand for banking and finance talent.

Roles in fundraising and institutional sales are particularly sought after, with professionals in these fields highly valued for their regional networks and industry expertise, according to Michael Page’s UAE 2025 Salary Guides. The comprehensive report, which includes insights from 17 industries, offers an overview of current hiring trends, salary benchmarks, and the recruitment challenges businesses face.

Banking And Finance In High Demand

The report highlights a significant need for compliance professionals, especially those with experience in Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) regulations. Chief Compliance Officers and Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) are among the most lucrative roles in the sector. Jon Ede, Regional Director UAE at Michael Page, pointed out that in 2024, the UAE’s workforce grew by 9%, and the number of new companies increased by 14.5%, showing the success of the nation’s strategic initiatives.

Sales, Marketing, And IT Growth

The sales and marketing sector has seen steady growth, especially in B2B industries like technology, real estate, energy, and logistics. Roles such as Business Development Manager, Chief Commercial Officer, and Strategic Sales Director are in demand, with a premium placed on business development, key account management, and communication skills.

The IT sector, meanwhile, continues to evolve rapidly, with high demand for positions like Head of Software Development, Full-Stack Software Engineer, Agile Product Manager, Senior DevOps Engineer, and Digital Adoption Specialist. The report underscores the significant shift in the UAE talent market for digital professionals in recent years.

Navigating The Skills Shortage

The study also highlights the growing skills shortage, with businesses grappling to find candidates with the right expertise. A staggering 37% of business leaders reported challenges in finding skilled talent, while nearly a third (30%) struggled with employee retention. Nearly half (48%) of employers also cited aligning salary expectations with candidates as a key obstacle.

Ede suggests that businesses can overcome these challenges by offering competitive packages that include benefits, career development opportunities, and workplace incentives, positioning themselves as attractive employers in the competitive UAE job market.

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