Professional associations in Cyprus, including the Pan-Cyprian Retail Trade Association, Hoteliers, and Tourist Business Operators, along with Owners of Recreation Centers, Branded Catering Chains, and Quick-Service Restaurants, are urgently requesting the employment of staff from third countries. They highlight a "massive problem" they face concerning the lack of human resources.

On Monday, these six associations held a joint press conference in the presence of the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (ΟΕΒ) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

In their joint statement, they note that their businesses' problems due to staff shortages are escalating daily. They emphasize that the reality is the unavailability of unemployed Cypriots or community members, as evidenced by statistical data. They also express concern that the recent decision to change the employment decree of asylum seekers has further exacerbated the situation.

The decision, they argue, was made without any planning or strategy on how to replace the 15,000 asylum seekers who worked in various specialties across all economic sectors in recent years.

The associations describe a "serious understaffing" of their businesses, leading to "negative chain reactions in their smooth operation," and affecting the broader national economy. They point out that integrating foreign human resources from third countries is "necessary and inevitable," as recognized by all stakeholders, due to the lack of local workforce.

They also note that despite provisions for a one-month response to requests for licensing foreign staff, this is not implemented in practice.

The associations are calling on the Minister of Labour to provide directions for simplification, flexibility, and acceleration of the entire process to adhere to schedules.

Finally, they express their expectation that the Government will now comprehend the urgent need to find immediate solutions before the upcoming tourist season.