Reminder on Asylum Seeker Employment Regulations
In a recent announcement, the interior ministry has reiterated the employment regulations pertaining to asylum seekers in Cyprus. The ministry emphasized that individuals seeking asylum are not permitted to engage in any form of employment during the first nine months of their stay in the country. This policy, which extends the waiting period from one to nine months, has been in effect since October of the previous year.
Officials have warned that hiring asylum seekers within this nine-month timeframe is considered illegal and could lead to serious consequences for employers. These may include hefty fines or even imprisonment. Moreover, companies found in violation of this law risk being permanently prohibited from employing third-country nationals in the future.
The ministry has also highlighted the introduction of an automated notification system earlier in January. This system is designed to keep employers informed about the regulations and the status of their employees who are asylum seekers. It ensures that any employer will receive an automatic email notification if an asylum seeker they employ has their application rejected.
Furthermore, the system enforces that employers cannot register asylum seekers as employees under two specific conditions: if their asylum applications have been rejected or if they have not completed the mandatory nine-month waiting period since submitting their applications. This measure is part of a broader effort to regulate employment among asylum seekers and ensure compliance with Cyprus’s immigration policies.
The ministry’s reminder serves as a crucial notice for businesses and organizations that may be considering or currently employing asylum seekers. It underscores the importance of adhering to legal requirements and the potential repercussions of non-compliance in the labor market concerning asylum seekers.
