More than 10,000 foreign worker from 109 countries work in north Cyprus with most from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Turkmenistan

According to the official data from the TRNC Ministry of Labor obtained by Kıbrıs Postası, there are approximately 33,000 registered third-country workers in the country.

In exact numbers, there are 32,948 third-country nationals working in the TRNC.

The top three countries with the highest number of workers are Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkmenistan. However, the number of undocumented or illegal workers remains an intriguing question.

Most workers come from Pakistan, while the fewest come from the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso.

How Many Countries Are Represented?

The data shows workers from 109 different countries, reflecting the broad diversity of the labor market in the TRNC.

Top Three Countries:

• Pakistan: 9,868 workers
• Bangladesh: 6,720 workers
• Turkmenistan: 6,241 workers

These countries primarily contribute workers to the construction, service, and agricultural sectors.

Other Highlights:

• Prominent Countries in the Top 10: Iran (1,299), the Philippines (596), and Nigeria (431).
• European Workers: Ukraine (467), Russia (365), and Moldova (218).
• Least Represented Countries: Switzerland, Japan, Kuwait, and Malta, each with only one registered worker.

The data demonstrates the international labor profile in the TRNC, shaped by a workforce primarily from developing countries. Experts emphasize that this diversity brings both opportunities and challenges, such as social integration, labor regulation, and economic balance.

Concerns:

1. Demographic and Social Impacts:
   The influx of workers from 109 countries may affect demographic structures and social cohesion.
2. Security and Economic Risks:
   A large foreign workforce, coupled with undocumented migration, raises potential risks such as illegal activities and an expanding informal economy.
3. Cultural Impacts:
   The presence of a diverse international workforce might dilute local cultural identity and increase feelings of alienation within the local population.

Efforts for better planning and monitoring are crucial to manage these challenges effectively.

List of Workers by Country:

Below is a detailed breakdown of registered third-country workers in the TRNC:

Top Contributors:

• Pakistan: 9,868
• Bangladesh: 6,720
• Turkmenistan: 6,241