Nicosia: 13 people arrested for illegal work at construction site

Police and the Inspection Service of the Ministry of Labour carried out a morning operation on 10 September at a building under construction in Nicosia: 340 people were checked, 13 of whom were identified and arrested for illegal work.

The operation began around 9:30 a.m. and was conducted jointly with units of the Aliens and Immigration Service (headquarters team and teams from Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta and Paphos), as well as with the unit responsible for controlling the Green Line and migrant flows. According to the police, the 13 detainees — nationals of third countries — were working on the construction site without permits from the competent authorities; six of them were also found to be illegally present in the Republic and were arrested under the provision on unlawful residence.

The investigation established that these workers were employed by six employers. Criminal and administrative investigations have been launched against the six entrepreneurs for illegal employment. The police stations of Lakatamia, Strovolos, Agios Dometios and the Central Station of Nicosia are handling the cases.

Labour Ministry inspectors recorded violations of legislation on undeclared work and pension fund payments: 17 administrative penalty notices were issued during the raid.

What this means for Cyprus residents: employers risk fines, criminal prosecution and suspension of activities; undocumented workers may be detained and deported. According to the police and the Inspection Service, residents and employers should check work permits and the proper registration of employees and pension fund contributions; cases of illegal employment are recommended to be reported to the relevant authorities.