Students voice concerns ahead of foreign nurses bill debate

Strong objections from students and trade unions were raised on Thursday over proposed legislation allowing the employment of nurses from third countries, as parliament prepares to examine the amendments amid ongoing staffing pressures in Cyprus’ healthcare system.

Students from the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) have expressed concern that the proposed changes raise “serious questions about the future of the sector and the quality of the health services provided”.

They argue that the measure does not address the underlying causes of staff shortages, pointing instead to low wages, demanding working conditions and limited incentives for young professionals entering the field.

They also highlight existing pressures within the system, including increased workloads and waiting times for patients, stating that “health cannot be treated as a commodity”.

Their position includes calls for structural measures, such as collective labour agreements, improved staffing levels in public hospitals and enhanced support for trainees through paid placements and clearer professional pathways.

Trade unions have also voiced reservations, focusing on labour conditions and the potential implications for service quality.

Concerns have been raised about language requirements, integration of foreign staff and the process through which the amendments have been developed.

House health committee chairman, Efthimios Diplaros, has criticised the approach taken by the health ministry, stating that it is “making changes without any consultation with nurses”.

In contrast, patient representatives and private healthcare providers point to the immediate need to address staffing shortages.

The patients’ association federation (Osak) has stated that the issue affects multiple areas of the health system, including hospitals and other service structures, and is limiting the implementation of legislation related to rehabilitation centres, community nursing and palliative care.

“The problem exists and already affects not only private hospitals but also other health service delivery structures,” the federation said.

It has expressed support for the amendments, stating that “the reservations expressed about the employment of qualified nurses from abroad are incorrect” given current shortages, while emphasising the need for safeguards to ensure qualifications, language competence and patient safety.

Private sector representatives have also highlighted operational challenges. The president of the private hospitals association (Pasin), Marios Karaiskakis, said “the lack of nurses is an endemic issue across the healthcare sector”, pointing to factors such as retirements and the expansion of services, including rehabilitation care.

He added that providers would prioritise local nurses where available but face ongoing constraints due to limited supply.

The employers and industrialists’ federation (Oev) has announced that it will hold a meeting later this month to assess the situation and consider potential actions, while discussions between the health ministry and stakeholders have continued ahead of the parliamentary session.

The proposed amendments to the nursing and midwifery law seek to allow a limited number of foreign nurses to work in Cyprus under defined conditions.

The provisions include a cap of 10 per cent of staff per healthcare facility to be third country nationals, a requirement for moderate Greek language proficiency and restrictions on senior roles, including a prohibition on serving as shift managers.

Employment would also be subject to sunset clause permits.

The bill returns to the House health committee following a previous postponement linked to reservations from professional groups and unions, with the outcome expected to determine whether the amendment shall proceed to plenum.