North Cyprus Inform

New government's reforms a boost for expats

The new coalition hit the ground running this week, announcing measures aimed at slashing red tape and ending hassle and discrimination affecting expatriates.

Reduced medical care charges to foreigners and a streamlined system for issuing work permits — including an end to the twin-track health test charges for Turks and so-called "third country" nationals — were brought into force this week.

The new system should also mean work permits being issued within a matter of days, instead of months, it was pledged — good news for businesses which have otherwise risked fines for employing workers while they waited to become legal.

However, employers were warned to make sure all their workers had the necessary permission, or face hetty financial penalties.

Minister Esref Vaiz said the change was aimed at removing the discrepancy in charges for Turkish citizens and other foreigners for health care they received.

He said the move had been made after "a vast number of complaints" from foreign residents, adding: "For example, previously we would be conducting an operation on a Turkish citizen for 300YTL but on a British citizen it was £500. With the new regulation the prices are balanced."

Officials at Mr Adem's ministry confirmed that the fee for both Turks and other nationals was now 100YTL for health tests and 130YTL for the work permit.

Mr Adem reminded all non-citizens that they needed to obtain work permits via their employers, and reminded businesses that they risked a fine equal to the minimum wage — 860YTL — for each illegal worker they employed. In addition, they would not be allowed to apply for new work permits or to renew existing ones' for a year. "Employers should get their employee permits sorted out or it could lead to their bankruptcy," he warned.