Foreign students in Cyprus may now work in paid activity
According to a recent law, which follows a directive of the European Union, students who are nationals of third countries may now work in Cyprus, in paid economic activity, under certain conditions and for certain kinds of work.
The Order or Decree of the Minister of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance that makes this possible was published in the Official Gazette. Students of recognised universities or university programmes are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, in specific occupations and specified sectors of economic activity.
They must be full-time students of recognised universities or colleges (or of some additional registered colleges) and had entered and resided in Cyprus by the 31st of October 2022.
They must be treated equally with Cypriot workers. All minimum labour standards should be observed. The Ministry has prepared a standard contract of employment for use in this case. The standard contract is available at the District Labour Offices.
The employment of the foreign students is allowed in the following sectors of economic activity and occupations:
S/N | INDUSTRY FIELDS | OCCUPATION |
1. | Trade-Repairs | - Wholesale Trade Freight Handlers
- Gas Station and Car Wash Labourers
|
2. | Health and Social Care | - Care Givers in Homes for the Elderly
|
3. | Household Activities | - Occasional Work of a Domestic Nature
|
4. | Manufacturing | - Bakery Workers
- Forage Production Labourers
- Recycling Labourers
- Night Shift Workers |
5. | Agriculture-Animal Husbandry-Fishery | - Agriculture -Animal Husbandry-Fishery Labourers |
6. | Other Fields | - Buildings Cleaning Service Crew
- Drainage and Waste Processing Labourers
- Distributors of Advertising and Informative Material |
7. | Food Industry | Food Delivery / Kitchen Assistants / Cleaners |
8 | Hotels | Kitchen Assistants / Cleaners
|
9. | Restaurants-Recreational Centres | - Kitchen Assistants
- Cleaners
|
The main documents necessary for those wishing to work – and for their employers – are the following:
· a valid residence permit
· an employment contract, signed by the two parties
· a time-table of studies – which should not coincide with the working hours.
Students should first get a student permit from the Immigration Authorities. They should then sign a contract of employment, with an employer, and submit it to a District Employment Office for approval. The Employment Office will check the main conditions and if satisfied will approve the contract.
The Law provides for punishment (fine or imprisonment) for those who violate its provisions.
The above is for general information purposes. For more details, see the Aliens and Immigration (Amendment) Law No. 7(I) of 2019 and the Order published on 7/7/2023, by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance.