The number of undeclared workers in Cyprus reaches 25% of the labour force, whereas among workers from EU country-members the percentage is as high as 30%. Meanwhile, in some sectors of the economy, such as leisure centers and hotels, the percentage of undeclared workers coming from EU country members rises to 35%, according to data provided by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Sotiroula Charalambous.
In an interview with CNA, Charalambous says the Labour Ministry in its effort to combat undeclared work focuses on the proper implementation of the principle of free movement of workers, deriving from Cyprus membership in the EU, by providing foreign workers who wish to work in Cyprus with proper information on Cyprus’ legislation and their obligations arising therefrom. “At a national level we take several measures concerning the implementation of the law on the equal treatment of workers” and to this end 9000 inspections have been carried out since April 2009 mainly in the construction and hotels industry. As she said, 25% of the workers are undeclared and among workers from country-members of the EU, this figure amounts to 30%.
In some sectors of the economy, such as leisure centers and hotels, the percentage of undeclared workers coming from the EU rises to 35%. Based on these findings, the Ministry has recently proceeded to the amendment of the relevant regulations obliging employers to fill in a special employment declaration form as soon as they hire an employee, who must carry the relevant card with them.
Meanwhile, the Ministry plans to increase penalties imposed on employers for illegal or undeclared work.