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International workers face stiff competition for jobs in this Mediterranean country, but with its reasonable cost of living, Cyprus could be ideal for those looking for some sunshine and culture Cyprus is divided into the Greek population in the south and Turkish population in the north. Author: Jemma Smith, Editor

The country is located at the meeting point of Europe, Asia and Africa and as such is the perfect blend of these three cultures.

Finding work can be a challenge; while youth unemployment figures are falling they remain high at 32%. Those that manage to secure work are rewarded with year-round sunshine, picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife and ancient sites of Greek, Byzantine, Crusader and Islamic history.

Jobs in Cyprus

Cyprus was hit hard by the economic crisis, which created unprecedented levels of unemployment. Fortunately, the country's job market is showing signs of recovery.

Finding work can be difficult for foreigners as you'll compete against locals for jobs. However there are a number of ways to boost your chances of employment.

For example, while the main business language is English, the majority of employers demand some knowledge of Greek. Those with degrees in electrical engineering, finance, IT and telecommunications are also in high demand.

The tourism industry accounts for the largest part of the country's GDP and international workers can usually find opportunities in this sector. Other major industries include:

energy

real estate

the service sector

shipping.

The country's exploitation of natural gas supplies, plus its interest in renewable energy and green technology, is predicted to lead to major foreign investment.

POPULAR GRADUATE JOBS

Accountants

Accounting associate professionals

Legal professionals

Nurses and midwives

Secondary education teachers

How to get a job in Cyprus

You can apply for jobs in the country before arrival, but one of the best methods of finding employment is through networking. Making use of personal contacts and discovering vacancies through word-of-mouth is the easiest way for foreigners to find work.

If you don't have many contacts on arrival, your first port of call should be the Public Employment Office, located in all major towns and cities.

Some Cypriot companies accept CVs year-round so they can recruit as and when, meaning that speculative applications also work well.

Application methods are similar to those in the UK with organisations typically asking for a CV and cover letter or a completed application form. Most jobs can be applied for online.

Summer jobs

Due to the country's large tourism sector seasonal and casual jobs are relatively easy to find. Those seeking summer work can find opportunities in hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Ayia Napa's famous nightlife attracts thousands of international workers every year, meaning many bar, club and PR jobs are available throughout the summer. You can expect to work four to five days a week during the low season, but six to seven days during the high season.

Casual opportunities also include fruit picking.

Volunteering opportunities exist year-round across Cyprus, but particularly in Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol, Famagusta and Nicosia. Work camps and youth exchange programmes often involve volunteering.

Many openings are environmental or conservational, with animal sanctuaries and marine projects proving popular. For example, opportunities to help sea turtles through research and education are provided by the SEATURTLE.ORG.

 

Teaching in Cyprus

It is possible to teach English as a foreign language in Cyprus, although competition for posts is fierce and the number of jobs limited.

Jobs in private international schools are open to those with at least two years' teaching experience. You will usually also require a Bachelors degree, plus a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification.

Most openings are found in Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol, Famagusta and Nicosia. Working hours are typically 20 to 30 hours per week, with salaries and benefits dependent on your qualifications.

You can browse teaching opportunities in Cyprus at:

Go Abroad

Go Overseas - Teach English in Cyprus

Teach Away - Teach in Cyprus

TEFL Cyprus.

Internships

There is no national legislation on student placements; instead, internships and work experience is organised by universities, professional bodies and other stakeholders. Options include:

Erasmus+ - Students complete work or study placements, monitored by their UK university.

Work and Travel Cyprus - This is designed for young EU citizens seeking international work experience. It offers placements in coastal hotels and restaurants for a minimum of three months. Most positions include accommodation and meals.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cyprus - Students gain an understanding of UNDP's policies and priorities through the United Nations' Action for Cooperation and Trust (UNDP-ACT) and Partnership for the Future (UNDP-PFF) programmes. It's aimed at students in: conflict resolution; economics; international relations; sociology; public or business administration; and environmental studies.

Cypriot visas

EU citizens don't need a visa to enter or work in Cyprus, but those staying for more than three months will need to apply for a registration certificate. To gain a certificate you'll need to prove that you have secured employment and have the financial means to support yourself. You'll also need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) and a social security number. Apply for these immediately upon arrival.

One-year long-stay visas are usually suited to non-EU citizens seeking employment. They must be backed up by letters from your employer - or from an accountant or solicitor, if you happen to be self-employed. Contact the Cypriot embassy in your country of origin for more information on work visas for non-EU nationals.

Language requirements

English is widely spoken throughout Cyprus, but many jobs require you to speak Greek.

You could take a course in Greek while in your home country or learn once in Cyprus. Lessons are provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture, universities and private language schools.

How to explain your UK qualifications to employers

Employers usually understand UK qualifications as the Cypriot education system has many similarities, but you will need to clarify that this is the case before submitting your application.

You, or your employer, can find out more at ENIC-NARIC or Europa - Qualifications for Employment.

What it's like to work in Cyprus

Average wages in the country are quite low, but so is the cost of living. The working week runs from Monday to Friday, and hours generally amount to 40 per week.

Depending on where you work and your length of service, you're entitled to between 20 and 24 days paid holiday leave per year.

 

 

 

Cyprus - National Level

Short overview of the labour market

 

The impact of the global economic recession first appeared in the Cypriot labour market in late 2008 and persists to this day. The gradual but continuous decrease in economic activities led to the elimination of many jobs, resulting in a continuous increase in unemployment and, at the same time, a continuous decrease in employment. Since 2015, the economy began recovering, with improvements to key financial indicators. For 2018 up to and including February 2019, according to the data available from the Labour Force Survey, it appears that all indicators have improved and the labour market is steadily recovering.

Based on the latest preliminary data, which is an estimation, from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, in February 2019, unemployment in Cyprus stood at 7.1%, representing a 2.3% decrease compared to the same month last year (9.4%).

According to the latest Labour Force Survey data, in 2018 the unemployment rate stood at 8.4% (36,617 people), representing a 2.7% decrease compared to 2017, when the unemployment rate stood at 11.1% (47,166 people).

The average unemployment rate in 2017 stood at 11.1%, compared to 12.9% in 2016, 14.9% in 2015, 16.1% in 2014 and 15.9% in 2013.

The unemployment rate among young people between 15 and 24 years of age stood at 20.2% in 2018, representing a 4.5% decrease compared to 2017 (24.7%). The average unemployment rate among young people between 15 and 24 years of age stood at 29.1% in 2016, 32.8% in 2015, 36.0% in 2014 and 38.9% in 2013.

According to the data kept at the District Labour Offices, the number of registered unemployed persons at the end of March 2019 stood at 26,508, down from 30,616 for the same month in 2018 (a decrease of 13.4% or 4,108 persons). It is pointed out that a continuous downward trend in monthly registered unemployment is recorded over a period of more than three years. In terms of sex, the number of unemployed men stood at 12,061, while the number of unemployed women stood at 14,447.

The highest decrease in terms of numbers in unemployment was reported in the districts of Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos (by 2,022 persons, 1,271 persons and 874 persons, respectively), while the decrease in the district of Larnaca was 489 persons.

The largest decrease in terms of numbers for March 2019 by area of economic activity compared to the same month in 2018 was reported in the areas of new entrants (by 1,468 persons), trade (by 903 persons), public administration (by 585 persons), construction (479 persons), manufacturing (by 366 persons) and hotels (by 131 persons). An increase in unemployment was reported in the banking sector (by 554 persons).

In 2017, Greek Cypriots made up the majority of the unemployed population, with 17,591 persons (66%). The respective number for the same month last year was 20,837 persons (68%) Of the total unemployed population, 5,678 persons (21%) were European citizens. The respective number for the same month last year was 5,329 (17%) of the total number of unemployed persons.

Half of those registered as unemployed have secondary-level general or technical education (51% or 13,419 persons), followed by those with primary education (23% or 6,158 persons) and higher education graduates (26% or 6,931 persons). The diagram below presents the fluctuation in the number of unemployed over the past 12 months according to educational level.

Profile of European New Entrants to the Cypriot Labour Market::

The number of European new entrants who came to Cyprus to work during the first three months of 2019 stood at 520 persons, accounting for 12% of the total number of new entrants to the Cypriot labour market.

Of the total number of European new entrants, 45% came from Greece, 12% from Romania, 17% from Bulgaria and 12% from the United Kingdom.

Out of the total number of European new entrants, most stated that they wish to work as service providers, in tourism, as salespersons or as unskilled workers.

Half of the Europeans registered as unemployed have secondary-level general or technical education (52%), followed by higher education graduates (32%) and those with primary education (16%).

 

 

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