(Commonwealth_Europe) Migrant workers in Cyprus continue to face deeply entrenched inequalities and inadequate protections, according to a recent assessment by the Council of Europe. The findings, published by the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), highlight serious concerns regarding the treatment of migrant laborers, particularly those employed in domestic roles. These workers, who form a significant part of the island’s labor force, are often subjected to systemic underpayment, excessive working hours, and a heightened risk of exploitation and trafficking.
Cyprus, an eastern Mediterranean nation with approximately 930,000 residents in its southern, government-controlled territories, relies heavily on migrant labor, particularly in the domestic sector. Over 20,000 domestic workers, predominantly women from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Vietnam, are employed in households nationwide. Despite the essential nature of their work, many of these individuals find themselves trapped in exploitative labor arrangements that offer limited protection under national law.
One of the central issues raised in GRETA’s report is the disparity in wages between domestic migrant workers and other employees in Cyprus. Under current regulations, domestic workers are entitled to a gross monthly salary of just 460 euros. However, this amount is often subject to further deductions—up to 25%—to account for employer-provided food and accommodation. In contrast, the standard minimum wage for other workers in Cyprus starts at 1,000 euros per month, illustrating a significant and unjustified wage gap that places domestic workers at a severe economic disadvantage.
This financial inequality is compounded by excessive working hours and a lack of regulatory enforcement. According to data cited by GRETA from the Cyprus Ombudsman’s Office in 2020, some domestic workers receive as little as 1.29 euros per hour—well below the legal minimum. Many are also reported to work an average of 58 hours per week, far surpassing the 42-hour weekly limit stipulated in their employment contracts. These conditions, coupled with limited oversight and accountability mechanisms, leave workers highly vulnerable to labor exploitation and, in some cases, human trafficking.
While Cyprus has made certain legislative strides recently aimed at enhancing its anti-trafficking framework, the GRETA report underscores that these efforts remain insufficient. The Council of Europe is calling on Cypriot authorities to intensify their measures to proactively identify victims of trafficking and labor exploitation, provide meaningful access to legal assistance, and ensure that all migrant workers—regardless of origin or employment sector—benefit from the same labor rights and protections afforded to Cypriot and EU nationals.
The report serves as a critical reminder of the enduring gaps in labor protection policies and the urgent need for reform. GRETA emphasizes that the Cypriot government must ensure equal treatment in pay, working conditions, and legal rights as a matter of both social justice and compliance with international human rights standards. The current two-tiered system of labor rights not only undermines the dignity and well-being of thousands of workers but also contradicts the European Union’s foundational principles of equality, fairness, and human dignity.
