EU nationals still need work permits

Renewals can take months

The Cyprus International Business Association in its latest “Intercom” issue has reminded members that non-Cypriot EU nationals still need a valid resident and work permit, or else face a CYP 500 fine.

Renewals must be applied for one month before the expiry date of the old style pink form.

CIBA reports that the forms can be found on the home page of the Ministry of Interior website http://moi.gov.cy. “In fact it is the only English text on the website,” says CIBA.

The application must be made at the local immigration police office.

CIBA reports that in making the application, the EU citizen has fulfilled all obligations, and that renewals can take several months.

Separately, the Financial Mirror has learned that new legislation is on its way that will make procuring permanent residency easier for EU nationals.

Let’s hope that the new applications don’t have to go through the office of the migration department official who reportedly works 16-hour days and still can’t get throught the backlog.