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.

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.