Follow-up visit to the Mutual Assistance Project to Cyprus

The Mutual Assistance Project (MAP) to Cyprus is focused on improving the performance of the Centralised Labour Inspectorate of the Cyprus government in tackling undeclared work. A follow-up visit is organised on 3-5 June 2025, back-to-back with a concerted an joint inspection between Belgium, Cyprus, Greece and Lithuania, coordinated by ELA.

The visit organised by ELA, hosted at the Department of Labour Relations in Nicosia and conducted alongside a concerted and joint inspection at two construction sites (one public and one private) brought together experts, representatives from labour inspectorates, and social partners from Cyprus, Belgium, Greece, Finland, and Lithuania, as well as EU-level social partners (FIEC and EFBWW).

The discussions highlighted the progress achieved since last year, particularly on the use of the ERGANI information system and steps toward introducing social/labour ID cards in the construction sector. 

Key outcomes included: commitment to implement labour ID cards in the coming years, legislative and system integration efforts, strengthened capacity of the Centralised Labour Inspectorate of Cyprus.

The delegation also met with Mr Yiannis Panayiotou, Minister of Labour, and Social Insurance of Cyprus, to present the progress achieved since the last MAP visit, outline the next steps for implementing labour ID cards, and relay the joint recommendations and insights from labour inspectorates and social partners.

MAPs, coordinated by ELA, remain a powerful peer-driven initiative supporting national authorities via tailored advice, dialogue, and expertise for tackling undeclared work effectively.