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Stakeholders To Address Employment Of Foreign Workers In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 7, 2024

In a pivotal meeting today, the Ministry of Labour in Cyprus convenes the inaugural session of the advisory tripartite committee to discuss the employment of foreign workers. This committee, chaired by Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou, will review data on work visa applications and address aspects of a three-point agreement established in April.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Trade unions are expected to raise concerns about the recent agreement with Egypt regarding Egyptian workers, citing a lack of consultation. Additionally, unions are advocating for a revision of the current foreign worker licensing strategy, which they argue lacks transparency due to the disbanding of advisory technical committees that previously reviewed foreign work permit applications.

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Focus on Collaboration and Worker Welfare

The meeting will also address a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aims to:

Enhance collaboration between social partners through a central advisory tripartite committee.
Improve living conditions for foreign workers by setting housing standards and monitoring compliance.
Update the existing strategy for employing third-country nationals to ensure a mutually agreed-upon framework.

This initiative underscores the Ministry of Labour’s commitment to addressing the needs and welfare of foreign workers while ensuring that the domestic labour market operates efficiently and transparently. As Cyprus continues to navigate the complexities of its labour market, this meeting marks a significant step towards more effective and equitable employment practices for foreign workers.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.