Cyprus Nears US Visa Waiver Program As Refusal Rate Drops Below 3%

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 28, 2024

Cyprus has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to join the US Visa Waiver Program, with the 2024 visa refusal rate for Cypriot citizens reported at just 2.16%. This figure, announced by the US Department of State, is well below the program’s required threshold of 3%, marking a crucial step toward visa-free travel for Cypriots.

Progress Towards Inclusion

Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that Cyprus has met a “key prerequisite” for its inclusion in the program. She credited the progress to successful technical consultations between Cyprus and the United States over the past year.

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Piki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Cyprus’ inclusion in the program by 2025, allowing Cypriots to travel to the US for tourism and business without the need for a visa.

Support from US Officials

US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, also acknowledged the milestone, describing it as a significant step forward. She expressed optimism that Cypriots would soon enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel to the US.

What’s Next?

The Cypriot government plans to continue its focused efforts to meet all remaining requirements, ensuring the process stays on track. This achievement underscores the growing cooperation between Cyprus and the US, paving the way for stronger ties and easier travel.

As Cyprus moves closer to this goal, the prospect of visa-free access to the US represents an important development for both business and leisure travellers.

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Cyprus Weekly Working Hours Hold Steady In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 1, 2026

Cyprus Maintains Steady Work Week

Employees in Cyprus worked an average of 37.7 hours per week in 2025, virtually unchanged from 37.8 hours recorded a decade earlier, according to Eurostat data. The figures cover employed people aged 20 to 64 in both full-time and part-time positions and point to relatively stable working patterns despite broader shifts across the European labour market.

Gender Disparities In Workload

Working hours continued to vary by gender. Men in Cyprus worked an average of 39 hours per week, while women averaged 36.3 hours. The gap highlights differences in labour market participation and working arrangements, reflecting trends seen across many European economies.

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Comparative Insights Across The European Union

Across the European Union, average actual working hours declined from 36.9 hours in 2015 to 35.9 hours in 2025. Against that backdrop, Cyprus recorded one of the more stable trends in the bloc, with average working hours remaining largely unchanged over the past decade.

Highest And Lowest Average Hours In The EU

Greece recorded the longest average work week in the EU at 39.6 hours, followed by Bulgaria and Poland at 38.7 hours and Lithuania at 38.4 hours. At the other end of the scale, the Netherlands reported the shortest average work week at 31.9 hours. Denmark and Germany followed at 33.9 hours, while Austria recorded an average of 34 hours. The figures highlight significant differences in working patterns across European labour markets.

Occupational Variances In Work Hours

Working hours also varied considerably by profession. Skilled workers in agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded the longest average work week at 42 hours, followed by managers at 40.6 hours and armed forces personnel at 39.4 hours. Among occupations with shorter working hours, elementary occupations averaged 31.8 hours per week. Administrative support staff worked an average of 34 hours, while service and sales workers averaged 34.5 hours. The data illustrate how working time continues to differ across sectors and occupations, reflecting varying labour demands and employment structures throughout the EU.

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