Introduction:

In an era marked by globalization and diversity, hiring asylum seekers is a strategic and ethical obligation for forward-thinking organizations. Individuals who have fled their home countries owing to persecution and seek safety in a new land, known as asylum seekers, bring a unique mix of talents, resilience, and perspectives to the workplace. Employing asylum seekers not only conforms to corporate social responsibility values, but it also improves business culture by fostering inclusivity and innovation. Recognizing the untapped potential within this promising pool of individuals not only serves the humanitarian imperative of giving those in need a fresh start, but also adds to a more dynamic and adaptive workforce.

This guide will examine the numerous advantages of hiring asylum seekers, pushing businesses and owners to embrace the transformative power of diversity in their quest of excellence and social impact from an ethical, financial, and socioeconomic standpoint.

Why consider Asylum Seekers:

1. Societal Impact:

• Improving Labor Force Diversity: Including asylum seekers and migrants in the workforce increases talent diversity by ensuring a larger range of talents, viewpoints, and experiences, hence increasing a company’s overall efficiency and innovation.
• Addressing Labor Shortages: Employing asylum seekers becomes especially important in industries where labor shortages are an issue. These people can help to alleviate labor shortages and increase the supply of available workers, thus assisting in the survival and growth of enterprises.
• Innovation and Skill Transfer: Asylum seekers and migrants often bring fresh ideas, knowledge, and skills from their home countries, fostering a culture of modernization within organizations. This infusion of new expertise and creativity can help businesses adapt to changing markets and stay competitive.
• Global Reputation: Locally welcoming migrants and asylum seekers reflects favorably on a country’s global reputation. Companies that actively recruit these employees can help to build this reputation by portraying themselves as socially responsible and compassionate organizations, which can be appealing to both customers and partners, nationally and internationally.
• Employment Flexibility: Many asylum seekers and migrants are willing to work in low-skilled or entry-level occupations, exhibiting a strong work ethic and adaptability. This employment flexibility can be invaluable in companies that require a workforce that can adjust to changing demands.

2. Economic Impact:

• Consumption: The integration of asylum seekers and migrants into the labor force increases spending, resulting in a positive multiplier impact that ripples throughout the economy. As these people become customers, local companies experience greater demand for goods and services, supporting a healthy economic climate.
• Tourism and Investments: A varied and inclusive workforce contributes to a region’s attractiveness for tourism and investment. The social cohesion brought about by the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers increases the attraction of the local community, encouraging sustainable growth in tourism and attracting long-term investments.
• Expansion of Export Activities: Asylum seekers and migrants frequently offer unique skills and cultural insights that can be used to expand export activities for goods and services. Agriculture, for example, benefits from their participation, resulting in increased exports and a broadening of market reach, which benefits the broader economy.
• Enhanced Balance of Trade: The active engagement in export activities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and delivery services, contributes to an improved Balance of Trade (BoT). This not only strengthens the economic position of the country but also creates a more sustainable and balanced trade ecosystem.
• Job Market Improvement: This not only addresses specific labor shortages, but also leads in a general increase in job prospects for the local population. This all-inclusive approach fosters economic stability and lowers unemployment rates by creating a robust job market.
• Diversification of skilled jobs: They not only contribute directly to the economy by working in important areas, but they also free up time for locals to pursue more specialized and high-skilled jobs, thereby increasing overall production.

Information for Employers/Business owners:

The Refugee Law gives the Minister of Labor, Welfare, and Social Insurance the authority, in collaboration with the Minister of Interior, to impose restrictions and conditions on the right to work without impeding asylum seekers’ effective access to the labor market. Asylum applicants are entitled to enter the labor market one month after completing their asylum claim, according to Ministerial Decree/Decision 308/2018.

The Ministery of Labor, Welfare, and Social Insurance issued further Decrees in 2019, providing asylum seekers access to additional employment areas.

Furthermore, a new Decree released in October 2021 permitted asylum seekers to work before the Labor Department issued a final, formal judgement on the employer’s application to gain the requisite license to hire asylum seekers.

However, at the time of publishing this article, a new Ministerial Decision was released, which will extend the term of prohibition from working to 9 months following the date of submission of the asylum claim, beginning in August 2023.

1. Employment for asylum seekers needs to be registered at the labor office.
2. They are permitted to work while the case is pending, however approval from the labor office required.
3. The employer and employee must sign a contract outlining the parameters of the agreement. They have the same rights as all employees (annual leave, sick leave, days off, social insurance…etc.

Documentation needed:

1. Confirmation letter provided from Asylum Services Office.
2. Copy of their passport.
3. IRS Certificate.

Further Steps for asylum seekers:

1. Signed contract between employee and employer (1 original and 3 copies)
2. Employee liability insurance.
3. Employer’s social insurance showing they have paid social insurance for other employees exceeding 3 months’ time.
4. Hiring confirmation from Ergani.
5. For hospitality sector: operations license from Deputy Minister of Tourism, as well as from the Town Hall Municipality.
6. For delivery sector: a valid driver’s license is required.

All paperwork needs to be sent to the labor office for approval.

Once the case receives an approval, the declaration needs to be sent to the Nicosia Ministry of Labor, informing them that the employer is recruiting an asylum seeker for a job.

Asylum seekers payment regulations:

1. Minimum wage for new employee is €885 gross
2. Minimum wage after 6 months of employment by same employer increases to €940 gross

(38 working hours per week and 40 hours for hospitality/hotel)

3. Part timers (20 hours minimum) is €500 for the first 6 months
4. Part timers after 6 months of employment by the same employer increases to €527

Hotels and restaurants sector (specific wages criteria):

1. Kitchen helpers: €1117
2. Restaurant helpers: €916
3. Kitchen cleaners at hotels: €1250
4. Kitchen cleaners at restaurant: €1054

How to do it:

Rideo Group’s responsibility involves managing the registration process for individuals seeking asylum across various sectors of employment. This encompasses facilitating the formal documentation and authorization required for asylum seekers to engage in specific fields of work. Our focus is on ensuring a streamlined and efficient registration process that aligns with legal requirements, allowing asylum seekers to access employment opportunities in diverse sectors.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, considering recruiting asylum seekers as employees goes beyond mere corporate responsibility; it is a strategic imperative for firms seeking to flourish in today’s globalized and diversified market. Asylum seekers bring a distinct mix of skills, resilience, and viewpoints that benefit not only the personnel but also the whole business culture. Diversity in the workplace is consistent with ethical, financial, and socioeconomic goals.

Rideo Group is an important facilitator in this process, managing the registration and documentation required for asylum seekers to access employment possibilities. Businesses that understand and embrace diversity’s transformative power not only meet their ethical commitments, but also contribute to a more inclusive, innovative, and economically robust society.

Furthermore, do not hesitate to contact us for further information about labor laws, regulations, and employment contracts so we can further assist you.

Disclaimer: Although we work hard to deliver accurate and timely information, kindly take note that rules and laws are subject to regular change. It is advised that you speak with our consultants to ensure sure that the information displayed here is accurate and up-to-date.