Nicosia, Cyprus. Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said the government aims to advance parliamentary discussion of a bill on employing foreign nurses before the current term concludes. He said the bill has not been withdrawn despite a postponement in the House health committee.
Government position on the bill
Charalambides rejected reports that the bill had been shelved after the House health committee postponed consideration of it. He said there had been extensive discussions with nurses’ unions and the committee, adding that talks are continuing and that the government’s goal is to promote discussion in parliament before the end of the current term.
Key provisions and intended purpose
The proposed legislation is intended to address staffing shortages across the healthcare system by allowing controlled employment of nurses from third countries under strict conditions. The measures include a 10 per cent cap on foreign nurses per healthcare unit, a requirement for moderate knowledge of Greek, restrictions on senior roles, and the removal of certain postgraduate qualification requirements in specific cases.
The government has presented the amendments as a targeted measure to supplement the existing workforce rather than replace it.
Concerns from unions and students
The bill has faced resistance from unions and nursing students, who argue it does not address fundamental issues including pay, working conditions and career development. They have warned that service quality could be affected and have raised questions about integrating foreign staff.
Tepak students have said health should not be treated as a commodity, calling instead for better staffing, collective agreements and support for trainees.
Private sector and patient groups cite urgency
Private sector representatives and patient groups have emphasised the urgency of the reforms. The private hospitals’ association president, Marios Karaiskakis, said staffing shortages are endemic across the healthcare sector and that domestic supply cannot meet demand.
What changes, if any, do you think should be made to the bill’s proposed conditions for employing foreign nurses?
