Illegal Employment on the Rise in Cyprus as Undeclared Work Declines

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2024

A recent report on the labour market in Cyprus has revealed a worrying increase in illegal employment, even as the rate of undeclared work shows signs of decline. The findings, which were discussed during a parliamentary session, have raised concerns among lawmakers and authorities alike about the ongoing challenges in combating labour exploitation and maintaining fair employment practices.

According to data presented by the Ministry of Labour, the issue of illegal employment—workers being hired without proper work permits or contracts—has escalated in recent months. This rise comes at a time when efforts to reduce undeclared work, where employees are not registered or insured, have seen moderate success. Despite progress in regulating the labour market, illegal employment remains a significant issue, especially in industries such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality.

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Understanding the Distinction Between Illegal and Undeclared Employment

Illegal employment refers to the hiring of individuals who are not legally permitted to work, often due to their immigration status or lack of proper documentation. These workers are typically vulnerable to exploitation, receiving lower wages and lacking access to basic protections such as healthcare and social security benefits. In contrast, undeclared work involves the employment of individuals who may be legally allowed to work but are not officially registered, depriving them of insurance coverage and other legal protections.

While authorities have made strides in reducing undeclared work, particularly through stricter inspections and penalties, the rise in illegal employment presents a new challenge. Lawmakers pointed out that illegal employment poses even greater risks, as it not only harms the workers involved but also undermines the integrity of the labour market and contributes to unfair competition among businesses.

Factors Driving Illegal Employment

Several factors contribute to the increase in illegal employment, according to the Ministry of Labour. One key driver is the influx of migrant workers, many of whom lack the necessary documentation to work legally in Cyprus. Without proper channels for legal employment, these individuals often turn to unregulated jobs where they are vulnerable to exploitation.

The growing demand for cheap labour, particularly in sectors like construction and agriculture, also plays a significant role. Employers seeking to cut costs may resort to hiring illegal workers, bypassing the legal requirements for contracts, wages, and benefits. This practice not only puts workers at risk but also creates an uneven playing field, where businesses that comply with legal standards struggle to compete with those exploiting illegal labour.

Efforts to Combat Illegal Employment

In response to these findings, the government has pledged to intensify its efforts to combat illegal employment. This includes increasing inspections, imposing harsher penalties on employers found guilty of hiring illegal workers, and strengthening collaboration with immigration authorities. Additionally, there is a push to create more pathways for legal employment for migrant workers, ensuring they can enter the labour market with proper documentation and protections.

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AI Is Everywhere, But Consumers Are Growing More Skeptical

by News Editor

August 20, 2026

AI is advancing rapidly, but public enthusiasm is moving in the opposite direction. Recent surveys show that more Americans are becoming concerned about the technology, while growing opposition to data centers is turning AI’s social acceptance into a business and political challenge.

A Pew Research study found that 52% of Americans are now “more concerned than excited” about the growing use of AI in daily life, up from 37% in 2021. A May Economist/YouGov poll also found that more than 70% believe AI is developing too quickly.

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The political backlash is becoming harder to ignore. Axios reported that the National Republican Senatorial Committee warned major AI companies that data center projects could hurt Republican candidates in a key Ohio election.

AI’s Growing Reputation Problem

Public concern is also showing up among younger Americans. A CNBC poll found that most respondents aged 18 to 34 did not trust nine leading AI executives to act responsibly on AI.

For many consumers, AI is increasingly associated with chatbots, AI-powered search and features appearing inside everyday products, rather than with major improvements to their lives. Google has transformed Search with AI, while companies are adding AI to products ranging from email to televisions.

At the same time, people are hearing about AI being used by students to cheat, while companies face disputes over copyrighted material used to train models and generate art, music, video and writing.

That combination is creating a difficult perception: consumers are being asked to accept the disruption caused by AI without necessarily seeing enough personal benefit in return.

Data Centers Add To The Backlash

The problem extends beyond software. Tech companies are spending enormous sums building AI data centers, but communities are increasingly pushing back over issues including electricity demand, water use and infrastructure.

According to The Wall Street Journal, companies are responding with additional incentives such as employment commitments and investments in local infrastructure. One Louisiana project even included $50,000 bonuses for teachers.

Meanwhile, some consumers are gravitating toward technology that feels deliberately less connected. Young people are showing renewed interest in dumbphones, point-and-shoot cameras, cassette players and CD players. AI-free classic iPods are also attracting attention, while offline hobbies and in-person activities are gaining popularity.

The Industry Is Starting To Take Notice

Some technology executives believe the backlash is partly a communication problem. Others are increasingly acknowledging that consumers may understand AI perfectly well but simply don’t consider its current benefits worth the trade-offs.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky recently said on a podcast that the industry needs to build products that ordinary people genuinely value, rather than focusing primarily on AI itself.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei similarly described negative perceptions of AI as a “big problem” and a “crisis of trust” in a post on X. In his view, the strongest response would be for AI companies to actually deliver on their biggest promises, including breakthroughs that could significantly improve people’s lives.

For an industry that has attracted hundreds of billions of dollars on the expectation that AI will transform everyday life, technological progress alone may no longer be enough. The bigger challenge could be convincing people that they are actually better off because of it.

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