The head of the Federation of Cyprus Building Contractors’ Associations (OSEOK), Stelios Gavriel, stressed the need for a clear and functional framework to attract labour from third countries that ensures lawful employment, equal working conditions and prevents unfair competition. He spoke during a discussion titled “The construction industry in the face of labour shortages”.
OSEOK organised the discussion on Thursday, 2 April, in the presence of Labour and Social Insurance Minister Marinos Moushiouttas and Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection Nikola Ioannidis. The director of the Labour Relations Department, Andis Apostolou, the director of the Labour Department, Alexandros Alexandrou, senior labour officer Alexis Alekou and construction‑industry professionals also took part.
During the event, participants highlighted the serious challenges the sector faces in delivering private and public projects due to understaffing and a shortage of specialised labour. They also used the opportunity to raise concerns directly with the authorities about procedures for employing third‑country workers and to present specific proposals.
In his remarks, OSEOK’s president called for a comprehensive and balanced approach. “Attracting workers from third countries to meet the immediate needs of the market and ensure the unhindered implementation of projects must become a priority,” he said. He also noted the importance of utilising asylum seekers through a regulated employment framework in construction, for a defined period and in full compliance with the law.
Officials from both the Labour Ministry and the Migration Deputy Ministry outlined the measures already in place to address the shortage and suggested additional interventions that could be implemented following consultation with industry stakeholders.