22 January 2004—Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today welcomed Cyprus’s new policy of foregoing visa requirements for holders of temporary and permanent residence permits, and work and study permits.

“This is a most welcome development as it would mean less inconveniences for our overseas Filipino workers bound for or currently employed in the Mediterranean island-state,” Secretary Albert said.

In a diplomatic note to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Cypriot Embassy in Beijing, which is accredited to the Philippines, stated that the program took effect on 01 January 2004.

Secretary Albert however, cautioned prospective Filipino workers not to accept promises from would-be employers who would arrange work permits after arrival, and that, for their own protection, they should have their employment documents coursed through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

“Despite this development, our kababayans should be wary of would-be employers who promise to arrange work permits after their arrival in Cyprus.  Applications for temporary a foreigner’s temporary stay in Cyprus are submitted by prospective employers while the applicant is still outside of Cyprus.  Being caught working illegally in Cyprus could result in prosecution and deportation,” the Secretary cautioned.

Under the current policy, foreign nationals who wish to work in Cyprus are granted employment permits for a specific position only on a temporary basis, provided however that no suitably qualified Cypriot citizen is available to take the job.

Prospective employers should submit applications for permits together with a covering letter, their curriculum vitae and that of their employees, and a copy of a letter of employment to the Migration Department, Ministry of Cyprus on Form 70.   The filing of applications takes place while the foreign worker is still outside Cyprus.  Foreigners will also need to secure an Alien Registration Certificate (ID Card) from the local aliens office within seven days of their arrival.  END.