Cyprus Unions Reject Foreign Nurse Plan Amid Hospital Shortages

Unions told MPs that hiring nurses from third countries will not solve Cyprus’s chronic hospital understaffing, while the health ministry presented the move as a temporary fix. The ministry’s proposal would allow hospitals to employ up to 150 foreign nurses, limited to 10 % of staff, with two‑year licences and stricter Greek‑language requirements than those for EU nurses. Unions argue that low pay, poor working conditions—especially in the private sector—are the root causes of the shortage, citing that 988 nurses under 40 do not renew licences and 1,450 are not practising. The nursing council and unions called for incentives to bring young nurses back and for investigations into private‑hospital closures, which have forced the loss of more than 50 beds, including intensive‑care units. Employers say the plan may partially ease the crisis but will not fully resolve it. The House health committee will resume debate on Oct. 29.