Filenews 15 February 2026 - by Eleftheria Paizanou
With a reduced number of instalments and without the write-off of interest and charges, the Government is promoting a new plan to settle the overdue contributions to the Social Insurance Fund (SSF), which amount to approximately €210 million.
This is the third plan that the state will implement, in an effort to give breathing space to employers, who are loaded with debts to the state and are in danger of being taken to court.
The previous plans were implemented during the 2013 economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic. In the context of his interview with "F", the Minister of Labour Marinos Mousioutas reveals the new plans, which will be implemented in the coming months.
According to the minister, after the dialogue in the Labor Advisory Board and the Social Insurance Council is completed, it will be submitted to the Parliament with the aim of approving it before the self-dissolution of Parliament in April, for the parliamentary elections.
"The new plan will be similar to the previous ones. Instalments will be provided, as was the case in the past. The number of instalments may be slightly lower than in the previous plan," he noted.
Asked if the new plan will give the opportunity to write off the charges, he noted that "this could be a point of differentiation compared to the two previous plans, which included such provisions, as at that time there was to some extent an excuse due to the economic crisis. Today, an economic crisis cannot be invoked, but it can be argued that it is a way of facilitating employers and the business world in repaying their debts."
As he said, the previous two plans that were implemented had a success rate of around 50%, as the money collected by the state was half of the total debts. It is worth noting that the first plan has already been completed, while the second plan, in which another 500 debtors participate, is completed next September.
Employment from third countries
In relation to the strategy of employing staff from third countries, which has been implemented for the last year, he said that it will be the subject of discussion with the social partners.
"Today, shortages in the labour market are significant, while unemployment is at low levels. There are professions in which Cypriot or European workers are not found, either due to the nature of the work - manual or particularly demanding - or due to other factors," he noted.
At the same time, Mr. Mousioutas stressed that the ministry is trying to maintain the balance between employers and employees, as well as between domestic and foreign staff, with the necessary safeguards.
"Under no circumstances should a situation be created in which a foreign worker occupies a position for which a Cypriot or European citizen is available in Cyprus," he added.
As he explained, the policy is being evaluated, listing the provisions that are being examined. "For example, issues concerning foreign university graduates in Cyprus. Today, those who complete postgraduate studies have the right to work, while those who complete undergraduate studies do not. There is a thought to give this right to graduates of undergraduate programs as well," he added.
At the same time, he said that the status of students who have completed the first semester of studies is being examined, as well as the time limit of four years. "If there is no legal impediment, it may be reviewed, possibly with an extension of the duration. There is a common line and coordination, with the aim of maintaining a balance in the labour market," he said.
Widow's pension for men
Answering whether the distortion with widow's pensions for men will be corrected, he noted that "It is one of the points that we consider distortions and must be evaluated. I should mention that, if it is fully implemented for everyone tomorrow, the cost amounts to about €40 million more, annually," he noted.
