Indian delivery drivers face homelessness in Cyprus after alleged scam

Local migrationpoliceTop News Indian delivery drivers face homelessness in Cyprus after alleged scam Image credit: Kisa Relevant News Indian delivery drivers face homelessness in Cyprus after alleged scam 23 June 2026 Mazotos residents write to president demanding desalination plant decision be scrapped 23 June 2026 Cyprus weather: Clear morning, afternoon cloud and mountain showers on Tuesday 23 June 2026 Daniel Zambartas 23 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber A group of 25 Indian nationals has publicly petitioned Cypriot authorities, alleging they are victims of a severe human trafficking and contract-substitution ring operating within the island’s competitive food delivery sector. The open letter, published by the human rights advocacy group KISA, claims that a total cohort of 50 workers was brought to Cyprus under false pretenses, only to be subjected to crippling debt bondage and subsequent institutional neglect. According to the signatories, the group faces potential homelessness following the expiration of state welfare benefits on June 15, 2026. The allegations of recruitment fraud In their formal appeal, the workers state they were originally recruited in India to work as delivery drivers in Cyprus. They claim they were promised gross monthly earnings of €1,200 for a standard 40-hour work week, signing contracts designated for a registered fleet company. To secure their entry visas and employment permits, the signatories allege they were forced to pay recruitment fees ranging between €7,000 and €13,000 per person. The workers claim these funds were raised through heavy family loans in India, which they intended to pay back using their Cypriot wages. However, the petition alleges that upon arriving in Cyprus, the structural terms of their employment were abruptly altered. Representatives of the company reportedly informed the couriers that they would not receive the contracted salary. Instead, the workers allege they were placed on an alternative pay scale that yielded only €300 to €500 per month. The employers reportedly stated that the contractually guaranteed €1,200 salary would only be activated once the company achieved a specific monthly profit threshold of €1,500. On top of that, the signatories claim that those who attempted to work under these altered conditions were ultimately withheld their wages entirely. Police response Following a formal complaint filed by the workers, the Cyprus Police Anti-Trafficking Unit initiated an investigation into the operations. During the preliminary inquiry, the Social Welfare Services provided the group with temporary accommodation and a basic monthly payment of approximately €250. However, the case has sparked criticism from human rights advocates due to what the workers describe as an inconsistent state response. After months of review, police authorities verbally informed the cohort that only 10 out of the 50 individuals would be officially recognised as Victims of Human Trafficking. The remaining 40 workers, including the 25 signatories, were denied official trafficking status, despite their assertions that the entire group arrived under identical conditions, paid the same recruitment networks, and suffered the same alleged wage withholding under the same employer. Cyprus Police told en.philenews: “The case remains under investigation due to the large number of persons involved. “The offences being investigated by the Police include, among others, trafficking in human beings for the purpose of labour exploitation. “It is noted that, for the identification of victims of human trafficking, a specific procedure is followed by the Police (Office for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings). This procedure is based on an established protocol and specific indicators of victimisation for each form of exploitation.” Appeals to the state The open letter concludes with an urgent five-point demand to the Cypriot Ministries of Interior and Labour, requesting: “Recognise all members of our group as victims of human trafficking, exploitation, and other serious criminal offenses, and assist us in restoring our rights, including obtaining compensation for the financial losses we have suffered. Proceed with the investigation of our complaints, take measures against all those involved in our recruitment and exploitation, and ensure that the ring of exploitation of Indian workers is dismantled. Grant us residence and work permits that would allow us to be employed by eligible employers authorised to hire third-country nationals in any sector of the economy. Assist us, through the competent employment authorities, in identifying and securing employment with eligible employers. Continue the support provided by the Social Welfare Services until we are granted residence and work permits, enabling us to secure alternative gainful employment and become self-sufficient.” The High Commission of India and KISA have been approached for comment. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Mazotos residents write to president demanding desalination plant decision be scrapped Cyprus weather: Clear morning, afternoon cloud and mountain showers on Tuesday Protesters demand resignations of top state prosecutors after Mafia State corruption report Man who claimed uncle planned to sacrifice him in Cameroon loses Cyprus asylum bid Redwolf Ogilvy: “Borderless” philosophy that doesn’t compromise on human imagination and creativity Berengaria legend returns to Troodos, as historic hotel is reborn Europe’s crisis of confidence Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.