The Ministry of Labour, under Minister Yannis Panayiotou, announced new decrees on Friday regarding the employment of third-country nationals. Published in the Republic’s official gazette, these decrees aim to attract highly skilled professionals and expand job opportunities for third-country students residing in Cyprus as of December 1.
Focus on Skilled Employment
The Ministry outlined measures to draw highly qualified professionals to specific industries by introducing provisions for obtaining a European Blue Card. This card enables eligible professionals to work and reside in the European Union.
The minimum gross annual salary for these roles is set at €43,632, which is 1.5 times the Republic’s average gross annual salary. Key sectors identified for this initiative include:
Expanded Opportunities for Foreign Students
The decrees also update employment guidelines for third-country students, extending the eligibility date for work rights to December 2024, replacing the previous deadline of March 2024.
Students can now work in eight specified sectors of the economy, provided they meet certain conditions. These include securing an employment contract certified by the Department of Labour, submitting a valid residence permit, and presenting proof of full-time enrollment and study hours at a recognized institution. Employers must also report the student’s monthly work schedule to the Labour Department.
Eligible Sectors for Student Employment
Foreign students are permitted to work in the following industries:
These changes aim to address growing demands in Cyprus’ labor market while creating a more inclusive economic environment.
Source: Stockwatch Cyprus