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By George Vichas
As the war rages in Ukraine, millions of refugees from the country are seeking refuge and hope for the next day in other countries, including Cyprus.
Cyprus and its citizens, having experienced the refugee crisis in their own skin, are ready to lend a helping hand and offer even temporary solutions.
With the 12-month visa they will receive to be able to work, as announced yesterday by the Minister of Interior, several sectors have expressed interest and intention to employ persons.
Leisure centres, hotels, retail, are among the sectors that could provide solutions, in line with the serious problem of lack of manpower that existed before.
"Some of the holes will be closed" says PASIKA
Speaking to the Cyprus Times, PASIKA General Secretary Fanos Leventis reiterated the industry's intention and readiness to employ these people.
"A number of them will be employed both in the catering and hotel industry, we hope that the procedures will be such that employers will have easy access and be able to employ these people," he said.
He reiterated that the Leisure Centres were and are in great need. "We also have areas that are waiting to see what they will do in anticipation of the tourist season."
As he explained, "some of the holes will be closed, some of the holes will also be closed by students who are expected in the next few months."
He mentioned that of these 8 thousand Ukrainians, not all of them are for the leisure center and tourism industry, however a percentage will be employed.
He concluded by expressing the hope that the leisure centers will reach such a point that they will ask for even more.
"Happy to employ and help", says PASYLE
For his part, speaking to the Cyprus Times, the General Secretary of the Pancyprian Retail Trade Association (PASYLE), Marios Antoniou, said that they had asked from the beginning directly and without complicated procedures to see and help people who are in a difficult situation.
"Their pain is great, we also experienced the 74′ and with great pleasure we expressed our intention to employ these people" he stressed.
As Mr. Antoniou explained that they are essentially European and close to our mentality, while there will not be the time-consuming and costly procedures needed to bring in staff from third countries such as India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
He reiterated that PASYLE is very positive about the whole issue. "We hope that the relevant services will run to make them immediately available in the labour market as there are sectors and industries that have been suffering from the lack of manpower for a long time", he concluded.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
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