Human-rights group Kisa sounded the alarm on Friday after the Social Welfare Services abruptly terminated accommodation and meal support for 23 Indian nationals, leaving them effectively homeless during a heatwave that has pushed inland temperatures above 40 °C. The migrants—victims of an alleged labour-broker scam in Limassol—were told on Tuesday to vacate their state-provided rooms because a six-month assistance window had lapsed. Unable to work until they secure new employment permits, they had no funds to rent privately. Kisa responded by converting part of its Nicosia headquarters into an improvised dormitory, but admitted the space is “entirely unsuitable for residential use”. Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Migration defended the policy, saying limited reception capacity must prioritise new arrivals. It insists that the 23 can apply for emergency vouchers if they actively search for authorised employers. Labour lawyers counter that the current sponsorship system traps migrants in dependency on middlemen, often leading to exploitation. The incident reignites debate over Cyprus’ fragmented reception network. Unlike many EU states, the island lacks a robust transition scheme linking exploited workers to legal job pathways—an omission that business groups say also deprives sectors like agriculture and hospitality of ready labour. Kisa has appealed for interim measures, urging companies with approved quotas to consider hiring the stranded workers and calling on municipalities to open climate shelters until formal housing is found.
Source: Cyprus Mail
