In its latest evaluation report on Cyprus, covering the period 2020-2024, the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) evaluates the measures taken to prevent vulnerabilities to trafficking in human beings, detect and support vulnerable victims, and punish the offenders.
The report acknowledges progress in some areas, including the establishment of an anti-trafficking unit within the Social Welfare Services and the increase in the staff of the Police Office for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. GRETA also commends Cyprus for the adoption of the 2023-2026 National Strategy against human trafficking. The National Referral Mechanism has led to an increase in the detection of presumed victims of trafficking, in particular amongst asylum seekers, as well as victims of labour exploitation.
On the other hand, the number of formally identified victims of trafficking has decreased (110 over the period 2020 - August 2024). The report stresses the need for more proactive victim identification, ensuring that formal victim recognition is not contingent on the possibility of prosecution. Six-month delays currently observed in the identification process risk leaving victims without critical assistance.
The report raises particular concern over the situation of migrant workers, including domestic workers. Third-country nationals, excluded from the minimum wage regime, are often confined to specific sectors, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. GRETA calls on the Cypriot authorities to strengthen measures to protect migrant workers by ensuring equal labour rights and protections, enhancing oversight of domestic work, and reducing workers' dependency on individual employers.
