The procedure for examination of applications by local enterprises is as follows:

1. New Applications

Initially, the applications are submitted to the District Labour Offices that investigate and confirm that the criteria for employment of foreigners are being met. The main provision of those criteria is the investigation of the possibility of satisfying the needs of the employer by local labour force (Cypriot or European citizens). Moreover, the interested company/employer is called to publish in the daily newspapers the available position via the Employment Services of District Labour Offices. In case where there are no Cypriot or European citizens available and capable to fill the specific positions, the employer submits the special application form for employment of foreign workers duly completed together with any other necessary documents, listed in the form.

2. Applications for employment of additional foreigners or renewal of the Labour Department`s recommendation letter.

When the employer applies for either additional foreign workers or for renewal or replacement of existing foreign workers, evidence for the medical insurance of the foreign workers already employed is required (for hospital and non-hospital expenses)

The application form (with all the attached documents) is forwarded to the Headquarters of the Labour Department for final decision and, eventually, the appropriate answer is sent to the employer, in writing, regarding his application.