Corona Virus: Implications for Cypriot Staff

What consequences does the COVID-19 have for my employees in the Cyprus? What are employers' obligations in respect of COVID-19? At EuroDev we are dealing with European HR matters on a daily basis. Hence, we will do our best to give clear answers to some of the questions you might have. If you employ people in the Cyprus, you can find frequently asked questions below.

*The information in the blog has the purpose to help the reader with gaining more knowledge and insights on the measures taken by the government. Please keep in mind that we have outlined basic rules. There might be specific terms, rules and regulations to each measure. As a result, EuroDev cannot guarantee any reimbursements or liabilities. For more detailed information, please contact our experts.

Measures announced by the government

Due to the spread of the  COVID-19, Cyprus has initially introduced entry restrictions until 30 April.

Entry into the Republic of Cyprus will only be granted to a specific group of individuals. Only individuals that have a certificate confirming that the person has been tested for coronavirus are able to enter Cyprus. Cyprus only accepts health certificates from the following institutions: Institute of Virology in Marburg, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin. The test must not be older than four days at entry.

The measure applies to the following groups of people:

• Cypriot citizens,
• Persons with a Cypriot residence permit,
• European or other citizens working in the Republic of Cyprus, citizens working for diplomatic missions or representations based on bilateral or international agreements,
• European or other citizens attending educational establishments in the Republic of Cyprus,
• Individual cases of European or other citizens due to unavoidable professional obligations, provided that the appropriate authorization is presented by the competent ministry.
  
  

Regardless of the country of origin, all immigrants are quarantined for 14 days in a facility assigned by the Cypriot authorities.

Short-time working

Regarding those businesses that have decided to suspend their operations and those that will continue to operate, but have suffered a loss of turnover of more than 25%, a business suspension plan will be introduced to avoid layoffs. At the same time affected employees will receive unemployment benefit for as long as the business is suspended. The cost of the plan is estimated at €110 m.

In addition companies employing up to 5 persons will receive a 70% subsidy for their employees’ salary costs provided that these companies retain their employees at work and have a reduction in their turnover by more than 25%.

Self-employed professional/contractor

To help self-employed workers sickness benefit will be paid in the same way as employees, from the fourth day instead of the ninth as it is today. It was also decided to extend the timeframe to files objections to Social Security for self-employed for one month until 30 April 2020.

FAQ

An employee falls ill with corona virus or is quarantined. Who pays his/hers remuneration?

Workers who face special health problems and are included in the list which the Ministry of Health will announce and need to stay home to protect their health, will receive a €800 grant on a monthly basis.

What are the financial obligations of the employer if the employee must stay home to care for his/her children due to closed school/daycare?

• Parents in the private sector with children up to 15 years of age, will be allowed special parental leave up to four weeks, not including holidays.
• A parent with a salary of up to €2,500 for the first €1,000 will receive a 60% special leave allowance, while for the next €1,000 a 40% allowance will be paid.
• In the case of single-parent families the ratio varies between 70% and 50%, respectively.
• It is clarified that parental leave for childcare will be granted if the nature of the parent’s work does not allow working from home or flexible working hours and if there is no outside assistance. This excludes the help provided by grandparents.
• For the public sector, workers who need to take care of their children will have to consult with their head of department.
  
  

We understand you might have questions specific to your case and company. If you are looking for answers, we are happy to help. Schedule a 15-minute call with Monique Ramondt, VP of HR Outsourcing by clicking the image below:

About EuroDev

EuroDev, established in 1996 with offices in The Netherlands and France, has a single, defined purpose to help mid-sized North American companies expand their business in Europe. We have created a proven, successful business development model and since our founding, have partnered with over 300 companies to help them define and meet their European business goals. Services provided include Sales Outsourcing, HR Outsourcing and Digital Marketing. EuroDev is home to 75 professionals from 24 nationalities, covering a total of 21 languages between them.