**Title: More Inspectors to Tackle Illegal Work in Cyprus**
In a move aimed at strengthening the enforcement of labor laws, the Cypriot government has approved a plan to double the number of inspectors responsible for addressing undeclared and illegal work. Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas announced this decision on Friday, emphasizing the need for increased oversight in the labor market.
Currently, the Ministry of Labour's inspection service operates with a team of eight inspectors. The expansion will allow for additional positions to be filled, with funding expected to be allocated through either this year’s or the next state budget. Mousiouttas noted that the increase in personnel would enable the ministry to conduct more thorough workplace checks, although he acknowledged the challenges posed by the sheer volume of establishments that require oversight. “It is humanly impossible to be everywhere,” he stated.
This announcement follows a recent police operation that targeted undeclared workers across 16 catering establishments. During the raid, authorities arrested 47 individuals for illegal employment or illegal residence. Andis Apostolou, director of the Labour Relations Department, reported that some of those apprehended were legally residing in Cyprus but were found to be in violation of employment regulations. This group included students and asylum seekers, highlighting the complexity of the issue.
In response to the ongoing challenges of illegal employment, the Labour Ministry is preparing to implement administrative fines for individuals working illegally, as well as additional penalties for employers who violate labor laws. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance compliance with employment regulations, which have been a focus for the government in recent years.
Statistics from the Ministry indicate a significant decline in undeclared work, which has dropped from approximately 15 percent in 2017 to an anticipated 5 percent by 2025. Apostolou remarked that this reduction has met the targets set by the authorities, though he cautioned that illegal employment remains a persistent concern, particularly in certain sectors.
The inspection service conducted around 8,000 inspections in 2025, identifying approximately 19,000 workers during these visits. Looking ahead, the ministry aims to increase its inspection capacity to 10,000 annually by the end of 2027. Apostolou highlighted that the construction sector is particularly problematic, with estimates suggesting that illegal employment in this field exceeds 20 percent.
As the government moves forward with its plans, the focus will be on ensuring fair labor practices and protecting the rights of workers in Cyprus. The expansion of the inspection team is seen as a crucial step in addressing the complexities of the labor market and reducing the prevalence of illegal work.