EGYPTIANS FOR ALL JOBS IN CYPRUS - MINISTER OF LABOUR RETURNED WITH A NEW AGREEMENT - Filenews 23/4 by Angelos Angelodimou
The will of Cyprus and Egypt is common for the implementation of the interstate agreement signed in 2024 between the two countries, regarding the employment of Egyptians, who will cover part of the needs of the Cypriot labour market.
Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas, who returned to Cyprus yesterday, paid an official visit to Cairo on April 20-22, 2026, as head of a delegation and met with his Egyptian counterpart. During the meeting of the two Ministers, the Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed in June 2024 between the Republic of Cyprus and Egypt, was discussed, which concerned the employment of Egyptian workers in Cyprus.
The agreement on a new basis
This agreement did not have the expected results, as there was no corresponding interest on the part of Cypriot employers. Although the needs for additional labour in various sectors of the labour market are given, the agreement remained largely on paper, without being exploited.
Marinos Mousiouttas, with his visit to Egypt, wanted to put the agreement on a new basis and shape the relevant framework, so that it can be used by Cypriot employers. Characteristically, as stated in an announcement by the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Mousiouttas pointed out that "the Memorandum is a comprehensive and reliable framework for the promotion of safe, legal and mutually beneficial labour mobility, while contributing to meeting the needs of the Cypriot labour market, with full respect for the rights and dignity of workers."
New branches added
Speaking to "F" upon his return to Cyprus, the Minister of Labour noted that the interstate agreement focused mainly on the sectors of agriculture and livestock. However, after the meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Mr. Mousiouttas said that it was decided to expand it to cover more sectors. Specifically, the sectors of tourism professions, the construction industry, the IT and recycling sectors were included in the agreement. At the same time, a great effort will be made to inform employers in Cyprus, so that this time this agreement can be made to the fullest.
Work from today
Indicatively, Mr. Mousiouttas stressed that a joint Committee has been set up, which will be headed by the Director of the Department of Labour with his Egyptian counterpart. As of today, they will begin the procedures to determine what needs to be done and prepare the framework and parameters that will govern it, so that it becomes attractive to Cypriot employers. In fact, the Aliens Service will also be involved in this effort, while at the same time the possibility of granting incentives to employers will be considered. It is recalled that the interstate agreement will be implemented through our Embassy and includes, among other things, provisions related to social security, the transfer of earnings and the maintenance of the confidentiality of information.
Education in Egypt
During the contacts between the two ministers, it was pointed out that the needs in the Cypriot labour market concern both skilled and unskilled positions. Therefore, in case the training of certain workers is deemed necessary, Egypt will undertake this part, given that it has a large number of laboratories for this purpose. At the same time, it was noted that a period of time will be given for the preparation of the two parties with a view to the end of the Cyprus presidency, and then the implementation of the agreement will begin. Which initially spoke of about 1000 workers per year, however it can start with smaller numbers and gradually increase.
It is recalled that in the context of the employment of foreign workers that was implemented in February 2025, among other things, it is provided that the employment of third-country nationals is allowed at a rate that does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the average of the company's employees.
In addition, a provision is included, which states that the employer provides housing of acceptable levels and basic facilities to foreign workers and is entitled to deduct from their gross basic earnings, a rate of up to 25% for the cost of housing.
