Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) criticised a House health committee decision to postpone examining amendments aimed at facilitating the employment of nurses from third countries. Separately, municipal leaders in Ayia Napa and Protaras discussed measures to safeguard tourism and broaden visitor interest.
Oev raises concerns over postponement
Oev on Monday expressed “deep disappointment and strong concern” over the postponement by the House health committee of the examination of two legislative amendments aimed at facilitating the employment of nurses from third countries.
The federation said the proposed amendments had been submitted by the Health Ministry, with the objective of addressing staff shortages in the healthcare system by easing procedures for recruiting nurses from outside the European Union.
In a statement, Oev said that “at a time when the country’s healthcare sector is facing serious shortages of nursing staff”, the failure to take decisions that could help alleviate the problem is causing “enormous dissatisfaction” among affected healthcare service providers.
The federation stated that healthcare providers believe the delay undermines efforts to address pressing workforce gaps that are already affecting the delivery of medical services.
Ayia Napa outlines planning for 2026 season
Ayia Napa can protect the stability and strength of its tourism sector despite the fallout from recent developments in the Middle East, provided there is planning, coordination and calm, mayor Christos Zannetou said.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Zannetou said a meeting was held at Ayia Napa town hall on March 13 with representatives of tourism bodies from Cyprus and abroad to exchange views and coordinate action ahead of the 2026 summer season.
He said participants discussed both the outlook for the coming season and the challenges facing international tourism following the latest developments in the wider Middle East.
While the situation has caused understandable concern across the sector, Zannetou said Ayia Napa’s tourism product could remain steady with the right handling.
Protaras described as key economic driver
Protaras remains the economic engine of the Paralimni-Deryneia municipality, with local authorities aiming to spread visitor interest across all municipal areas through a series of projects and tourism initiatives, according to mayor Giorgos Nikolettos.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Nikolettos said the coastal resort, which draws thousands of tourists each year, was not only a key asset for Protaras itself but for the wider municipality as a whole.
How do you think delays in legislative action and regional developments could affect services and tourism in your area?
