Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Cyprus (Ratification: 1960)
Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 - Cyprus (Ratification: 2017)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

The Committee welcomes the ratification by Cyprus of the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, and takes due note of the Government’s first report as well as the information provided in reply to its previous comments under the Convention.

Article 1(1) of the Convention and Article 1(1) and (2) of the Protocol. National policy and systematic and coordinated action. The Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to the adoption of a new Strategy for the prevention and tackling of human trafficking and the protection of the victims 2023–2026, accompanied by a National Action Plan. The purpose of the National Action Plan is to combat trafficking in persons thoroughly and effectively through four strategic pillars, namely: (i) enhancing prevention and reducing the risk of victimization; (ii) suppressing the crime; (iii) protecting, supporting and reintegrating the victims; and (iv) developing cooperation and coordination.

The Government also states that the Multidisciplinary Coordinating Group (MCG) against trafficking in persons, whose role is to develop policies, implement measures and coordinate efforts to combat trafficking, meets three times a year. The Committee notes that pursuant to section 64 of Act No. 60(I) of 2014 on Prevention and Combating of Trafficking and Exploitation of Persons and the Protection of Victims, the MCG is tasked with preparing an annual report on the implementation of the Act and on the situation regarding trafficking in persons and exploitation, as well as a revised National Action Plan. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to effectively implement the four pillars of the Strategy for the prevention and tackling of human trafficking and the protection of the victims 2023–2026 and its related National Action Plan, specifying the difficulties encountered and the measures taken to overcome them. Please also provide information on the findings of the annual reports prepared by the Multidisciplinary Coordinating Group, and on any updates proposed to the National Action Plan.

Article 2 of the Protocol. Preventive measures. Clauses (b) and (e). Educating and informing employers. Supporting due diligence. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on the measures taken or envisaged to educate and inform employers about forced labour as well as to support due diligence by both the public and private sectors to prevent and respond to situations of forced labour.

Clauses (c) and (d). Scope of application and labour inspection. Protecting migrant workers during the recruitment and placement process. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Private Employment Agencies Act No. 126(I) of 2012 and related Regulations govern the operation of private employment agencies and aim to protect workers, including migrant workers recruited through these agencies, and to prevent trafficking and labour exploitation. The Government adds that the Department of Labour inspects private employment agencies at least once a year, and that a training programme directed to the members of the private employment agencies is organized every year, on various topics including information on the main provisions of Act No. 60(I) of 2014. In 2023, the Department of Labour inspected 181 private employment agencies and revoked the licenses of 21 agencies found in violation of the law. Additionally, the Department examined four complaints and referred three cases concerning the illegal operation of private employment agencies and/or exploitation of workers to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

With regard to work permits, the Committee notes from its 2019 direct request under the Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143), that the temporary work permit for third-country nationals is tied to a specific occupation and employer, and that the worker can only change employer for the same occupation or economic activity. In addition, migrant domestic workers are covered by a specific regime, they are limited to two changes of employer and changing sector is only possible with the approval of the Minister of the Interior. According to the Migration Department website, migrant workers must be provided with a “release document” signed by their previous employer in order to apply for employment with a new employer.

The Committee notes that, according to the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman) 2019 report on the legal framework of domestic work, migrant domestic workers work an average of 58 hours per week and often sign employment contracts without being informed or having an understanding of their rights.

The Committee further takes note of the information contained in the 2025 Report of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Cyprus (GRETA Report), regarding long working hours, low remuneration and difficulties in changing employers for migrant domestic workers. The GRETA Report also highlights that domestic workers, most of whom are women, originated from Sri Lanka, Viet Nam and the Philippines, remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Many domestic workers come to Cyprus through an employment agency in their home country, to which they have to pay a fee. In addition, the GRETA Report stressed that third-country nationals are excluded from the application of the minimum wage, which exists in some but not all sectors. With regard to labour inspection, private households can only be inspected upon court order.

The Committee recalls the importance of taking effective action to ensure that the rules governing the employment of migrant workers do not increase their vulnerability to situations of forced labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that migrant workers, including migrant domestic workers, are fully protected from abusive practices during the recruitment and placement process and subsequent employment. Please specify the measures taken to: (i) undertake efforts to ensure that the coverage and enforcement of labour laws and regulations apply to all workers and all sectors of the economy; (ii) reduce the dependence of migrant workers on their employers; (iii) monitor private employment agencies and the working conditions of migrant workers, including in private households; and (iv) enable migrant workers to assert their rights in cases of abuse. The Committee also refers to its comments on the application of the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97), and the Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143).

Article 3 of the Protocol. Identification and protection of victims. The Committee notes that the Police Office of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OoCTHB) is responsible for the formal identification of victims after referral (section 46 of Act No. 60(I) of 2014), while the Social Welfare Services are responsible for providing support and protection services to victims.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) provides guidance and standard operating procedures for handling victims and potential victims of trafficking, including identification and referral. In addition, the SWS have developed a standard referral form to enhance the identification and referral process of potential victims of trafficking and exploitation. The Government reports that the OoCTHB investigated 236 cases of presumed victims of trafficking in 2022 and 542 in 2023, and formally identified 16 victims in 2022, and 33 in 2023.

The Government indicates that, since October 2023, the SWS have been operating a Unit for Handling Trafficking victims, which aims to ensure the immediate response of Social Services workers at all stages of identifying, reporting, supporting and protecting victims and potential victims of trafficking. The Unit is expected to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and coordination and improve the operation of the NRM.

The Committee notes that victims of trafficking and exploitation are granted a reflection period of at least one month and that, at the expiry of that period, they may be granted a temporary residence permit or a registration certificate (sections 45(5), 46(4), 55 and 56 of Act No. 60(I) of 2014). It also notes that, in its 2025 Report, the GRETA indicated that, according to statistics provided by the authorities, 106 victims were referred to assistance in 2021 and 28 were provided with accommodation. In 2022, 147 victims were referred to assistance and 20 were provided with accommodation.

The Committee takes due note of the measures taken to identify and protect victims. It notes the low number of identified victims compared to the number of cases of presumed victims investigated and encourages the Government to pursue its efforts to better identify victims of trafficking and exploitation, including through the implementation of the NRM and the strengthening of the capacity of relevant professionals. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the victims of forced labour, including trafficking in persons, who have been identified, as well as on the number of victims who have benefited from assistance services, specifying the nature of the services provided, and who have been granted a period of reflection and a temporary residence permit.

Article 4(1) of the Protocol. Access to remedies, including compensation. The Committee recalls that victims of trafficking can claim compensation from the perpetrators of the offences committed against them through criminal or civil proceedings, and that they can benefit from legal advice and legal representation for this claim. In addition, section 62 of Act No. 60(I) of 2014 on Prevention and Combating of Trafficking and Exploitation of Persons and the Protection of Victims mandates the creation of a victim support fund, which shall provide compensation to victims who, for any reason, cannot be compensated by the perpetrators.

The Committee notes that the National Action Plan to tackle human trafficking for 2023–2026 provides for the setting up of an Evaluation Committee for the compensation of victims of trafficking. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made regarding the establishment of the victim support fund and the Evaluation Committee for the compensation of victims of trafficking. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of victims of trafficking in persons and labour and sexual exploitation who have claimed and obtained compensation through criminal or civil proceedings.

Article 6 of the Protocol. Consultation with social partners.The Committee requests the Government to indicate how the organizations of employers and workers concerned are consulted and involved in the development and implementation of National Action Plans to combat trafficking in persons.

Article 25 of the Convention and Article 1(1) of the Protocol. Prosecution and application of penal sanctions. The Committee notes that the Act No. 60(I) of 2014 on Prevention and Combating of Trafficking and Exploitation of Persons and the Protection of Victims criminalizes trafficking in persons (section 6), labour exploitation, which includes compulsory labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery or servitude (section 8) and sexual exploitation (section 9). It notes that this Act requires measures to ensure the training of relevant police officers, judges and judicial staff regarding its implementation and to provide them with effective investigation tools (sections 22, 61 and 68). The Committee also notes that the Police Office of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OoCTHB) is the authority mandated to investigate cases of trafficking in persons and to coordinate the Police’s operational activities in this area.

The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that the OoCTHB investigated 11 trafficking in persons cases in 2022, ten in 2023, and five from January to the end of June 2024. The Committee further notes that, according to the 2025 GRETA Report, the number of prosecutions for trafficking in persons was nine in 2022 and six in 2023, and the number of convictions five in 2022 and nine in 2023. The GRETA noted the low number of convictions and that a number of trafficking investigations has been requalified as other offences at the time of conviction. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on: (i) the measures taken to ensure that law enforcement bodies are properly trained regarding the implementation of Act No. 60(I) of 2014 and have effective investigation tools at their disposal, so that perpetrators are prosecuted and that sufficiently dissuasive penalties are imposed; and (ii) the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions and penalties imposed under sections 6, 8 and 9 of Act No. 60(I) of 2014.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes that the first report of the Government on the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, has not been received.  The Committee requests the Government to provide the first detailed report on the Protocol of 2014 along with its next report on the Convention, which are due in 2024.

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. 1. Legal and institutional framework. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 60(I) of 2014 on Prevention and Combating of Trafficking and Exploitation of Persons and the Protection of Victims, as well as the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons (NAP) for 2019-2021, which provide the country with an institutional framework for the prevention and repression of trafficking and for the protection and assistance of victims. According to section 64 of the Act, the Multidisciplinary Coordination Group on Combating Human Trafficking coordinates and monitors measures and activities in the field of prevention and combatting trafficking in persons and protection of victims. The Multidisciplinary Coordination Group is responsible, among others, for monitoring and implementing the National Action Plans against Trafficking in Persons, carrying out awareness-raising activities on trafficking in persons, and the collection of data on trafficking.

The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities of the Multidisciplinary Coordination Group on Combating Human Trafficking as well as on the measures adopted to implement the NAP for 2019-2021, and the results achieved.

2. Law enforcement. The Committee notes that sections 8 and 9 of Act No. 60(I) of 2014 provide for penalties of imprisonment of up to 15 years for trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation and up to 25 years for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The Committee observes from the 2020 report of the Group of Experts on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings by Cyprus that, in the period 2015–2018, a total of 58 cases of trafficking in persons were submitted by the police for prosecution, including 28 cases for the purpose of sexual exploitation and 16 cases for the purpose of labour exploitation, which resulted in nine cases of convictions in total. In this respect, the GRETA noted the low number of convictions for trafficking in persons, particularly for the purpose of labour exploitation (paragraphs 76-77, 87). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that all the cases of trafficking in persons, for both labour and sexual exploitation, are subject to investigations and prosecutions, and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed on perpetrators. It further requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 6, 8 and 9 of Act No. 60(I) of 2014, including the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and the penalties imposed.

3. Protection of victims. The Committee notes that, by virtue of section 44 of Act No. 60(I) of 2014, presumed victims of trafficking are referred to the Social Welfare Services, which shall inform them of their rights, available services, and the identification procedure. Victims of trafficking are provided with various assistance services, such as accommodation, psychological support and medical care, financial support, as well as interpretation and translation services (section 47(1)); they can claim compensation from the perpetrators of the offenses committed against them through criminal or civil proceedings (section 3); and they can benefit from legal advice and legal representation for the claim for compensation (section 36). The Committee further notes that section 62(2)(a) of the Act envisages the establishment of a victim support fund, which shall provide compensation to victims who for any reason cannot be compensated by the perpetrators.

The Committee requests the Government to provide information on: i) the number and characteristics of victims of trafficking, both for labour and sexual exploitation, and on the nature of the assistance services provided to them; ii) the cases in which courts have ordered compensation to victims of trafficking through criminal or civil proceedings; and iii) whether the victim support fund has been established.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes with regret that no report has been received from the Government for the third year in succession. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 1(1) and Article 2(1) and (2)(c) of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in the report that there are no prisons in Cyprus that are administered by private concerns, profit-making or otherwise. However, the Government indicates that, under the Prisons (General) Regulations of 1997, prisoners are transferred, after special permission, to the Guidance Centre for Outside Work and Rehabilitation, where they work outside the prison in the private sector. The Committee also notes that, under section 140 (a) and (b) of the Regulations, the prisoners who are sent to the Centre for the purpose of out-of-prison employment shall work in the free market with an employer and in work which is approved by the Committee or the Director and shall have the same terms of employment as the rest of the workers in the free market. The Government also indicates that such prisoners are paid by the company which employs them at competitive rates and are covered by the State Social Security Scheme and the Safety and Health at Work Law No. 89(1)/96 which applies to all workplaces.

While noting this information with interest, the Committee asks the Government to state, in its next report, whether the prisoners concerned offer themselves voluntarily for such employment outside prison premises, and if so, how the consent of the prisoners concerned is guaranteed, so that it is free from the menace of any penalty, including any loss of privileges or other disadvantages following from a refusal to work.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes with regret that no report has been received from the Government. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 1(1) and Article 2(1) and (2)(c) of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in the report that there are no prisons in Cyprus that are administered by private concerns, profit-making or otherwise. However, the Government indicates that, under the Prisons (General) Regulations of 1997, prisoners are transferred, after special permission, to the Guidance Centre for Outside Work and Rehabilitation, where they work outside the prison in the private sector. The Committee also notes that, under section 140 (a) and (b) of the Regulations, the prisoners who are sent to the Centre for the purpose of out-of-prison employment shall work in the free market with an employer and in work which is approved by the Committee or the Director and shall have the same terms of employment as the rest of the workers in the free market. The Government also indicates that such prisoners are paid by the company which employs them at competitive rates and are covered by the State Social Security Scheme and the Safety and Health at Work Law No. 89(1)/96 which applies to all workplaces.

While noting this information with interest, the Committee asks the Government to state, in its next report, whether the prisoners concerned offer themselves voluntarily for such employment outside prison premises, and if so, how the consent of the prisoners concerned is guaranteed, so that it is free from the menace of any penalty, including any loss of privileges or other disadvantages following from a refusal to work.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes that no report has been received from the Government. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Article 1(1) and Article 2(1) and (2)(c) of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in the report that there are no prisons in Cyprus that are administered by private concerns, profit-making or otherwise. However, the Government indicates that, under the Prisons (General) Regulations of 1997, prisoners are transferred, after special permission, to the Guidance Centre for Outside Work and Rehabilitation, where they work outside the prison in the private sector. The Committee also notes that, under section 140 (a) and (b) of the Regulations, the prisoners who are sent to the Centre for the purpose of out-of-prison employment shall work in the free market with an employer and in work which is approved by the Committee or the Director and shall have the same terms of employment as the rest of the workers in the free market. The Government also indicates that such prisoners are paid by the company which employs them at competitive rates and are covered by the State Social Security Scheme and the Safety and Health at Work Law No. 89(1)/96 which applies to all workplaces.

While noting this information with interest, the Committee asks the Government to state, in its next report, whether the prisoners concerned offer themselves voluntarily for such employment outside prison premises, and if so, how the consent of the prisoners concerned is guaranteed, so that it is free from the menace of any penalty, including any loss of privileges or other disadvantages following from a refusal to work.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes the Government’s report, and in particular, the information provided in reply to its general observation of 1998.

Article 1(1) and Article 2(1) and (2)(c) of the Convention.  The Committee notes the Government’s indication in the report that there are no prisons in Cyprus that are administered by private concerns, profit-making or otherwise. However, the Government indicates that, under the Prisons (General) Regulations of 1997, prisoners are transferred, after special permission, to the Guidance Centre for Outside Work and Rehabilitation, where they work outside the prison in the private sector. The Committee also notes that, under section 140 (a) and (b) of the Regulations, the prisoners who are sent to the Centre for the purpose of out-of-prison employment shall work in the free market with an employer and in work which is approved by the Committee or the Director and shall have the same terms of employment as the rest of the workers in the free market. The Government also indicates that such prisoners are paid by the company which employs them at competitive rates and are covered by the State Social Security Scheme and the Safety and Health at Work Law No. 89(1)/96 which applies to all workplaces.

While noting this information with interest, the Committee asks the Government to state, in its next report, whether the prisoners concerned offer themselves voluntarily for such employment outside prison premises, and if so, how the consent of the prisoners concerned is guaranteed, so that it is free from the menace of any penalty, including any loss of privileges or other disadvantages following from a refusal to work.