North Cyprus Labour Minister allows deductions from foreign workers’ salaries

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security of North Cyprus recently announced that employers may deduct up to 40% from the salaries of foreign workers if they provide them with accommodation and meals. The decision has sparked widespread public debate and criticism from both citizens and experts.

Labour Minister Sadık Gardiyanoğlu stated that this measure is intended to regulate employers’ expenses; however, citizens have raised concerns about the standards of the provided accommodation and meals. In addition, many fear that this decision could negatively affect local employment levels and the quality of work.

Experts emphasize the need for strict monitoring of the living and dining conditions of foreign workers. Mehmet Sayar noted that without such oversight, the measure could lead to a decline in work quality and an increase in unemployment among local citizens. Hüseyin Dürüst stressed that all workers should receive at least the established minimum wage, regardless of nationality, while Rifat Unuz warned of a possible increase in the number of foreign workers and a decrease in local employment.

Münür Rahvancıoğlu criticized the amendments to the work permit law, noting that they could worsen working conditions and reduce wages for local workers.

In light of these concerns, the public and experts are calling for a review of the decision and for ensuring equal working conditions for all employees, regardless of nationality.