The Council of Ministers has approved a decree to raise the minimum wage for 19 professions in the hotel industry by 3.54%, effective January 1, 2025. According to the Minister of Labour, Yiannis Panayiotou, this decision follows the terms outlined in the sector's collective agreement renewal. It also builds upon a previous decree that came into effect on June 1, 2023, which mandated wage increases of 7.12%.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Minister Panayiotou highlighted that the total increase in minimum wages within the hotel industry over the past two years now stands at 10.66%. This wage growth aims to strengthen income adequacy for thousands of low-paid workers, the majority of whom come from the domestic labor force.

In addition, to address ongoing workforce needs, President Christodoulides will travel to London on May 21 to meet with Cypriots working abroad. Accompanied by local and international business leaders who are seeking skilled professionals, the President aims to present attractive employment packages and encourage Cypriot expatriates to return home. This effort aligns with the broader goal of transforming the country’s “brain drain” into a “brain gain.”

Alongside these measures, the government is also introducing a new framework for the employment of foreign workers. By ensuring adequate manpower, the administration seeks to maintain productivity and support the expanding needs of businesses in a "rapidly growing economy", as he said.

Finally, during the Cabinet meeting, President Christodoulides highlighted a modernization plan for the Pan-Cyprian Coordinating Council for Volunteerism. After nearly two decades without major legislative updates, the volunteer sector will be restructured to operate more efficiently and collaboratively. Recognizing the central role of civil society in social welfare, the government aims to enhance the contribution of volunteers in decision-making and in responding to community challenges.