Unions raise alarm over migrant labor exploitation in Cyprus hospitality sector

Cypriot trade unions SEK and PEO have filed formal complaints regarding the widespread practice of hiring hotel staff—ranging from maids and cleaners to cooks and waiters—through temporary staffing agencies. The issue, which came to light following a conference on July 30, 2026, involves hotel owners allegedly circumventing labor laws by hiring workers through external agencies that originally brought these individuals from third countries for other sectors, such as office cleaning. This practice is accused of violating collective bargaining agreements and creating unfair, precarious working conditions.

In response to these allegations, Labor Minister Marinos Mousiouttas condemned the practices as unacceptable, stating that "Cyprus is not a slave market." The Ministry of Labor and the Department of Labour Relations have begun an investigation into the matter following the receipt of a formal letter from the unions. The Minister pledged that authorities will conduct intensive inspections of hotels and staffing agencies to ensure compliance with labor laws. The unions have warned that they are prepared to initiate industrial action if no substantive measures are taken to address these distortions by the end of September.