35,000 foreign housemates in Cyprus

Foreign housemates working in Cyprus are estimated to have reached 35,000, or 2,57% of total population, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Soteroulla Charalambous has said.

Addressing a conference organized by the Women’s Movement of Cyprus' Green Party, the Ecologists and Enviromentatlists’ Movement, the Minister said that foreign house help has become necessary for some Cypriot households, since there is no offer for employment among Cypriots or citizens from other EU states.

The Minister said that every year a total of 15.000 approvals for employment are granted while more than 1.300 complaints are submitted regarding the violation of the terms of employment.

Housemates, the Minister said, are one of the most vulnerable working groups in the country, adding that the Ministry is committed to ensure the full respect of their rights and further enhance social dialogue to promote their rights.

In addition, she referred to the recent amendments approved by the Council of Ministers as regards the employment of foreign home help in Cyprus.