The Federation of Hotel, Catering and Leisure Centre Employees (OYXEKA-SEK) says the recent unrest in Xylophagou is the clearest proof yet of what it has been warning about for years: illegal practices of subletting workers through agencies and intermediary bodies.
The statement comes as the government has already begun revoking the status of Syrian nationals linked to the case.
The union said third-country workers are not the problem. The problem, it said, is illegal subletting practices that breach existing legislation.
Tolerating such practices reinforces the exploitation of workers, the union said. It also creates unfair competition between businesses and undermines the smooth functioning of the labour market.
OYXEKA-SEK repeated its call for an immediate review of the strategy on employing third-country workers, and urged the state to intensify inspections and take decisive action against illegal worker subletting practices.
The labour market needs rules, transparency and strict enforcement of the law, the union said, adding that tolerance and inaction are no longer an option.
The union’s statement follows a violent brawl in Xylophagou last Wednesday night, involving an estimated 15 to 20 people from two rival groups, reportedly over financial disputes. Those involved were said to have used stones, crowbars, hammers, metal bars and knives, and had already fled by the time police arrived at the scene. One person was subsequently arrested and remanded in custody for eight days, while investigations into the rest of those involved continue.
The government has since moved to revoke international protection for Syrians involved in the Xylophagou disturbance, as part of a wider toughening of migration policy. The Asylum Service has revoked asylum from 95 people, 80 of them Syrian nationals, on the instructions of Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum Dr Nicholas A. Ioannides, while authorities have rejected more than 2,000 asylum applications from Syrians.
The first forced returns to Syria are expected soon, philenews has learned, as a number of Syrians no longer qualify to remain in Cyprus following the change of regime in their country.
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