Cyprus construction industry seeks new framework for third-country labor

On April 2, the Federation of Building Contractors Associations of Cyprus (OSEOK) discussed the severe labor shortage in the construction sector. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Labor and Social Insurance, Marinos Mousiouttas, and the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nikolas Ioannidis. OSEOK President Stelios Gavriel emphasized the urgent need for a clear and functional framework to attract workers from third countries to address current project delays. The proposal aims to ensure legal employment, equal working conditions, and the prevention of unfair competition within the market. Industry representatives also proposed utilizing asylum seekers in the construction sector under a regulated framework. This initiative seeks to facilitate the implementation of both public and private projects currently hindered by understaffing and a lack of skilled personnel. The participants reviewed specific suggestions regarding the procedures for hiring foreign workers. The discussions highlighted the necessity of balancing market needs with regulatory compliance.