47 arrested in Cyprus operation targeting illegal employment in catering sector

Nicosia, Cyprus. Forty-seven people were arrested during a nationwide operation targeting illegal employment at catering establishments, police said on Friday. The operation also resulted in €195,000 in administrative fines for undeclared work.

Joint inspections

The operation involved the aliens and immigration service and officers from the department of labour inspections, who checked 16 food and beverage businesses across Cyprus.

All 47 individuals were arrested for illegal employment. Nine of those arrested also face charges of illegally staying in the Republic.

Employer fines

Officials from the labour inspection department imposed administrative fines totalling €195,000 on 16 employers for undeclared work.

Police said operations targeting illegal employment and unlawful residence in Cyprus will continue daily.