Labour minister calls for implementation of Egypt worker agreement

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, Cyprus Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Marinos Mousiouttas highlighted the urgent need to activate an intergovernmental agreement with Egypt for the recruitment of foreign workers. Despite the agreement existing, the minister confirmed that not a single worker has arrived in Cyprus through this process so far. Mousiouttas stressed that implementing the scheme is crucial to address persistent labour shortages and to prevent the Republic of Cyprus from appearing ineffective in managing its workforce needs.

The agreement was significantly expanded during a ministerial visit to Egypt last Easter. While it originally focused on agricultural and livestock sectors, it now covers construction, tourism, computing, and retail. The Ministry is currently reviewing applications from major companies, primarily in the construction sector, submitted via the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEV) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE).

A broader meeting regarding the employment of third-country nationals is scheduled for November 17, 2026. This session, chaired by Minister Mousiouttas, will include leadership from major employer organizations and trade unions. The discussions come amidst ongoing criticism from unions, who allege that the current employment strategy leads to wage suppression and exploitation by employers who fail to adhere to labor laws and collective agreements.