As of today, the connection between the ERGANI information system and the computer system of the Asylum Service comes into effect.

This development is estimated to resolve the significant issue of inadequate or delayed notification of employers and businesses regarding the status of each asylum seeker and whether they can be employed legally or not.

The relevant information, the absence of which poses a serious problem for businesses, as employers often find themselves exposed to fines and lawsuits for illegal employment of foreigners, was announced just before the end of the year by the Minister of Labour, Yiannis Panayiotou.

This announcement followed a meeting with the leadership of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) and the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB).

The Minister had then communicated that upgraded capabilities for automated employer notification would be put into operation regarding changes in the residence status of asylum seekers.

This aims to avoid their registration as employees or the continuation of their employment after the rejection of the application for international protection.

It also aims to prevent employment in professions they do not have access to or during the period when the required nine months from the date of submission of their asylum application have not elapsed.

According to the information, in the initial phase, the ERGANI system, where all new hires must be registered, will inform every employer/business electronically whether an asylum seeker employee is illegally employed, i.e., if their application has been definitively rejected.

It will also indicate whether the required nine months from the date of their asylum application have been completed and whether they can work in the specific economic activity for which they are registered.

Asylum seekers are allowed to work only in specific sectors, as determined by ministerial decree.

Furthermore, in a second phase to follow within the next few days, each business will receive electronic notifications through messages sent by the ERGANI system if an asylum seeker employee is no longer eligible for employment.

This will occur if the asylum seeker’s appeal is rejected by the Administrative Court of International Protection, as the right to work is maintained during the examination of the appeal.