The Cyprus Federation of Employers and Industrialists (Oev) said this week that a revised decree on the employment of foreign students from third countries had been published in the Official Gazette of the Republic, setting out the sectors and professions in which they may work in Cyprus.

Under the decree, students may only take up employment after completing their first academic semester and enrolling in the second, a provision aimed at ensuring the smooth continuation of their studies while allowing limited access to the labour market.

Oev said employers must submit specific documents in order to hire foreign students, including a certificate of full-time study and the student’s programme from a recognised educational institution, as well as a monthly work schedule prepared by the employer.

In addition, they must provide a copy of the student’s residence permit in the Republic and an employment contract with a specific employer, certified by the department of labour and setting out the basic terms of employment.

It called on businesses to familiarise themselves with the revised framework and ensure that any employment of students from third countries complies with the rules in force.