Cypriot Chamber of Craftsmen and Traders warns: the influx of illegal and irregular labor continues

The Cypriot Chamber of Craftsmen and Traders (Cyprus Esnaf ve Zanaatkârlar Odası) issued a grave statement: more than ten thousand businesses have found themselves trapped in a bureaucratic deadlock — caused by the sudden suspension of work permit issuance for foreign labor over six months ago.

Without prior notice, a moratorium was introduced: procedures related to obtaining permits through government bodies, banks, and the police simply came to a halt. As a result, businesses have been left caught between institutions, unable to complete the necessary formalities or fulfill legal requirements.

The Chamber stressed that over the past six months, the country has witnessed an uncontrolled influx of thousands of illegal and irregular workers, including cases of “labor counterfeiting” — when people work outside legal status and without proper guarantees. All of this is happening in full public view, under conditions of a complete failure of oversight.

The statement notes that the legal framework is fully ready for the resumption of the process: the necessary laws, regulations, and protocols have already been adopted and entered into force. Nevertheless, for two months now, there has been no operational action to restore the permit system.

The Chamber expressed deep concern: “The most fundamental human right — the right to work — is being trampled. Everything is ready, all the formalities have been completed, yet even the procedures already begun remain frozen. Everyone is suffering; the entire country is paying the price.”

In conclusion, the organization called for the immediate intervention of the authorities and the swift lifting of the blockade. The Chamber members declared: “We will not allow this situation to continue, and we will not back down.”