Cyprus looks to Egypt and India to address construction labour shortages

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is in contact with Egypt and India over bringing workers to the island to address shortages in the construction sector, employers’ groups said. The initiative follows departures under the government’s Syrian repatriation scheme.

Egypt framework

The building contractors’ association Oseok said the domestic labour market either does not want to, or cannot, meet demand in the construction industry.

Cyprus already has a framework with Egypt that could be used to recruit workers, Oseok said, adding that the 2024 memorandum of understanding has not been fully utilised by the government.

The agreement, signed in June 2024, was designed to regulate and facilitate the entry and residence of Egyptian workers in Cyprus in line with labour-market needs.

It provides for the recruitment of Egyptian nationals and establishes a joint committee to oversee implementation and assess whether changes are needed.

The Cypriot and Egyptian governments agreed in April 2026 to intensify efforts to implement the agreement, including through cooperation on vocational training to ensure Egyptian workers have skills suited to the Cypriot market.

India under consideration

The employers and industrialists federation, Oev, said a similar model was being considered for India.

Oev described India as having a large workforce, including labourers capable of meeting the requirements of Cyprus’ construction industry.

Workers from outside the European Union generally require an entry permit, as well as temporary residence and employment permits, before they can work in Cyprus.