An investigative piece published by KNews and syndicated via Tala Community News uncovers a parallel, largely illegal system that supplies foreign labour to Cypriot hotels, farms and construction sites. According to industry insiders, unregistered agents now outnumber the 230 licensed employment agencies, charging exorbitant “placement fees” and withholding passports to keep workers in debt bondage.
Mobility significance: • Corporate compliance risk—multinationals contracting local suppliers may unwittingly breach EU anti-trafficking rules if their value chain relies on illegally recruited staff. • Reputational exposure—tourism brands touting ethical standards could face scrutiny if hotel housekeeping is staffed via shadow brokers. • Policy pressure—labour-short sectors are lobbying the government to simplify legitimate work-permit processes to undercut the black market.
Key statistics: • Migrant workers account for roughly 24 % of Cyprus’ labour force. • Placement deductions can swallow up to 60 % of a worker’s first-year wages. • Only 48 inspectors are tasked with policing more than 5,000 worksites island-wide.
![Report exposes shadow network of unlicensed agents recruiting migrant workers in Cyprus]()
For companies and individuals seeking an entirely legitimate route into the Cypriot labour market, VisaHQ provides an online gateway to official visa and work-permit services. By visiting https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/ applicants can view real-time requirements, generate digital checklists and use end-to-end processing support, cutting turnaround times and avoiding risky informal intermediaries.
Recommendations from the report: • Create a public registry of recruitment fees. • Digitise work-permit renewals to reduce dependency on intermediaries. • Increase fines for employers using unlicensed agents.
Corporate action points: Mobility managers should audit Cypriot supply chains and insist on proof of hiring through licensed agencies. HR teams placing expatriates in Cyprus should brief assignees on how to spot and report illegal recruitment practices affecting their household staff.
Mobility significance: • Corporate compliance risk—multinationals contracting local suppliers may unwittingly breach EU anti-trafficking rules if their value chain relies on illegally recruited staff. • Reputational exposure—tourism brands touting ethical standards could face scrutiny if hotel housekeeping is staffed via shadow brokers. • Policy pressure—labour-short sectors are lobbying the government to simplify legitimate work-permit processes to undercut the black market.
Key statistics: • Migrant workers account for roughly 24 % of Cyprus’ labour force. • Placement deductions can swallow up to 60 % of a worker’s first-year wages. • Only 48 inspectors are tasked with policing more than 5,000 worksites island-wide.
For companies and individuals seeking an entirely legitimate route into the Cypriot labour market, VisaHQ provides an online gateway to official visa and work-permit services. By visiting https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/ applicants can view real-time requirements, generate digital checklists and use end-to-end processing support, cutting turnaround times and avoiding risky informal intermediaries.
Recommendations from the report: • Create a public registry of recruitment fees. • Digitise work-permit renewals to reduce dependency on intermediaries. • Increase fines for employers using unlicensed agents.
Corporate action points: Mobility managers should audit Cypriot supply chains and insist on proof of hiring through licensed agencies. HR teams placing expatriates in Cyprus should brief assignees on how to spot and report illegal recruitment practices affecting their household staff.
