5% of workers in North Cyprus have no permit

Five per cent of workers in the TRNC are breaking the law by working without a work permit, according to newly released results of a survey conducted by the State Planning Organisation (DPÖ). 

The survey found that 6,742 jobs out of the country’s 132,411-strong workforce last year were being carried out by people who were unregistered or had no valid employment permit.

The figure was reached after a survey of some 4,000 households, said DPÖ undersecretary Ödül Muhtaroğlu.

Prominent TRNC economist Göksel Saydam described the 5 per cent figure as being “too high” compared to other countries which he claimed had rates of between 1 and 2 per cent of illegal workers.

We are a country where inspection and control is relatively easy compared with most others,” he said.

There are only three official points of entry into the TRNC, so it should not be difficult to thoroughly check all new arrivals and whether they are coming for a holiday, for a visit, to study or to work - all of which can be easily checked and monitored.

Source: Cyprus Today