Work Opportunities

Who is Entitled to Employment?

Students from non-European union countries are entitled to be employed when they :

  • have been accepted by recognised tertiary-education institutions or institutions which had been registered by 31/12/2007,
  • are full-time students on a recognised course of study or a programme which had been registered by 31/12/2007, and
  • have completed 6 months of full-time study and residence in Cyprus.

Employers are advised to check that the student is in possession of a valid student residence permit issued by the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department which has not expired and on which his/her right to be employed is clearly stated.

Under which Rules & Conditions?

Employment of students is allowed provided that:

  • The student has secured an employment contract from a specific employer. (The typical employment contract is available at the District Labour Offices.)
  • The student presents the employment contract together with the timetable of his/her studies validated by the Educational Institution, to the Department of Labour (District Labour Offices) to be checked and stamped.
  • The employment takes place outside their study time.
  • The hours of employment do not exceed 20 per week, while during vacation periods the hours of employment can be increased to 38 per week.*
*This is subject to change.

Where are you Allowed to Work?

Access to employment is restricted to the following activities:

No.

 Economic activity

 Employment

1

 Industry – Repairs

 Freight handlers in wholesale trade and labourer’s at petrol stations and car wash

2

 Health – Social services

 Care givers in homes for the elderly provided that the provisions of the relevant law are fulfilled

3

 Household activities

 Circumstantial work in households

4

 Manufacturing

 Labourers in bakeries, in animal feed production, in waste recycling and night shift labourers)

5

 Agriculture – Husbandry – Fishing

 Labourer’s in agriculture, fishing and husbandry

6

 Other activities

 Building cleaners, sewerage workers, distribution of advertising leaflets

7

 Catering

 Delivery

8

 Restaurants/Clubs

 Kitchen assistants, cleaners

During the period 1st June – 15th October, the employment of students in the hotel/catering sector is allowed for training purposes in accordance with current policy and practice.

Is Employment Allowed in Private Households?

  • The employment of students in private households is allowed for household work provided that it is occasional. In these cases, the employers shall have to sign and fill in a special booklet held by the student: their details (name / address), the date of employment, the hours of employment and the salary paid to the student. There is no need for a contract of employment.
  • The student has to pay Social Security contributions in accordance with national legislation based on his/her emoluments indicated in the booklet.
  • Before offering employment, the potential employer should check that:
    • the student holds a valid entry and residence permit as a student in Cyprus and that 6 months have elapsed since his/her entry in the country,
    • is employed outside the study time, and
    • is not employed in excess of the time limit provided by the law.

It is noted that the student, when seeking employment, should have in his/her possession the residence permit and the course timetable validated by the Educational Institution where he/she is studying.

Financial & Other Penalties
In case of violation of the provisions of the above law:

  1. The employer is liable to:
    • a fine up to €854 and disqualification up to 6 months of the right of employment of third-country nationals for the 1st infringement;
    • a fine up to €3,417 and disqualification up to 12 months of the right of employment of third country nationals for the 2nd infringement;
    • a fine up to €3,417 multiplied by the number of infringements for any further infringements and disqualification of the right of employment of third-country nationals.
  2. The student is liable to:
    • a fine of €342 for the 1st infringement;
    • a fine of €854 for the 2nd infringement;
    • a fine of €854 multiplied by the number of infringements, for any further infringements.

The employment of third-country nationals not in possession of a valid residence and employment permit is illegal and constitutes a criminal offence.

Students wishing to seek part-time employment during their studies must complete the Work Placement Form and email it to academicdirector@casacollege.ac.cy.