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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

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.

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.

Cyprus Labor Costs Rise 3.8% As Wage Growth Accelerates

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Labor costs in Cyprus rose 3.8% year on year in the second quarter of 2026, according to provisional figures from the Statistical Service, or Cystat.

The increase accelerated slightly from 3.4% in the first quarter and exceeded the 3.7% rise recorded a year earlier, pointing to continued pressure on employers’ staffing costs.

Wages And Non-Wage Costs Both Rise

Wages and salaries per hour worked increased 3.9% from a year earlier, while non-wage costs rose 3.6%. Both rates were higher than in the first quarter, when wage costs increased 3.4% and non-wage costs 3%.

On an unadjusted basis, the total labor cost index rose to 121.87 in the second quarter, from 119.43 in the previous quarter and 117.38 a year earlier, using 2020 as the base year.

The wages and salaries index reached 122.20, compared with 119.79 in the first quarter and 117.64 a year earlier. The non-wage cost index rose to 120.48 from 117.92 and 116.33, respectively.

Quarterly Growth Also Picks Up

After seasonal adjustment, total hourly labor costs increased 1% from the previous quarter. Wages and salaries also rose 1%, while non-wage costs increased 0.9%.

That was faster than the quarterly growth recorded a year earlier, when seasonally adjusted total labor costs and wages each rose 0.6% and non-wage costs increased 0.5%.

The latest figures show that labor costs continue to rise in Cyprus, with both wages and additional employment expenses contributing to the increase.

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