**Title: Migrant Workers Represent 9% of Cyprus' Workforce, Facing Increased Risks of Exploitation**
On Thursday, during an event in Nicosia commemorating World Day Against Human Trafficking, it was highlighted that migrant workers constitute approximately 9% of Cyprus' overall workforce. However, these foreign workers are nearly three times more likely to experience forced labor compared to their Cypriot counterparts.
Katerina Stefanou, head of the Step Up Stop Slavery initiative, spoke at the event, emphasizing that while Cyprus has existing legislation and mechanisms aimed at combating human trafficking, the effectiveness of these measures hinges on cooperation among all relevant stakeholders. She noted that the Host project has successfully trained over 400 municipal employees, more than 300 hospitality workers, and upwards of 500 migrant workers. This training focuses on identifying trafficking cases, understanding labor rights, and accessing available support mechanisms.
Alexis Pantelidis, an official from the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, described human trafficking as a serious and evolving crime within the European Union. He mentioned that official statistics indicate around 10,000 victims of trafficking each year across the EU, though the actual number is likely much higher due to underreporting. Pantelidis pointed out that labor exploitation now accounts for 36% of recognized trafficking cases in the EU, underscoring the urgent need for effective intervention.
In Cyprus, foreign workers play a significant role in the hospitality sector, making up nearly 40% of its workforce. This is in stark contrast to their overall representation in the labor force, which stands at about 9%. Andreas Hatzigeorgiou, a representative from the Justice Ministry, acknowledged the hospitality and tourism sector as a cornerstone of the Cypriot economy. He highlighted that the growing demand for labor necessitates the establishment of safe and equitable employment conditions. Hatzigeorgiou warned that workers from third countries often face heightened risks of exploitation due to ambiguous recruitment practices, language barriers, limited awareness of their rights, and dependency on individual employers.
“Human trafficking for the purpose of labor exploitation is a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and an affront to human dignity,” Hatzigeorgiou stated, asserting that economic growth should not come at the expense of worker protection and rights.
In an online address, Susan Kerr, head of the Human Rights Department at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), stressed the importance of collaboration among governments, civil society, migrant communities, and the private sector to prevent exploitation. She asserted that “migrant workers are not the problem here,” and referenced the OSCE's 2026 review report, which indicates that labor exploitation is increasingly becoming the most prevalent form of human trafficking, accounting for nearly one-third of all identified victims.
Kerr also cited figures from the International Labour Organization, revealing that approximately 28 million people globally are trapped in forced labor. She emphasized the necessity of National Reporting Mechanisms as coordination tools for collaboration among authorities and the provision of support for victims. Kerr remarked that identifying victims is merely the starting point, not the conclusion, of the process. Support for victims should encompass legal assistance, social services, healthcare, psychological support, and long-term rehabilitation.
Moreover, Kerr advocated for the inclusion of survivors of human trafficking and organizations representing migrant communities in shaping policies and initiatives. “Survivors are not just recipients of protection and assistance. They are experts,” she concluded, highlighting the need for their voices to be heard in discussions about their rights and protections.
As Cyprus continues to navigate the complexities of labor migration and human trafficking, the findings presented at the event underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable workers and combat exploitation effectively. The collaboration between various sectors and the empowerment of migrant communities will be crucial in addressing these challenges moving forward.