3.7 Cross-border mobility in employment, entrepreneurship and vocational opportunities
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Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility
The main top-level programmes/schemes, for cross-border mobility are:
Your First EURES Job Mobility Scheme
EURES is a cooperation network designed to facilitate the free movement of workers within the EU 27 countries plus Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The network is composed of the European Coordination Office (ECO), the National Coordination Offices (NCOs), EURES Partners and the Associated EURES Partners.
Partners in the network may include Public Employment Services (PES), Private employment services (PRES), trade unions, employers' organisations and other relevant actors in the labour market. The partners provide information, placement and recruitment services to employers and job-seekers whereas the European and National Coordination Offices oversee the organization of the activities at European and national level respectively. EURES Cyprus is well integrated into the operations of the Public Employment Services (PES) of the Department of Labour. All EURES Services in Cyprus are offered by the PES through a network of 7 EURES Advisers in all major cities in Cyprus. All EURES Advisers have received the proper training at EU Level.
In every district and local PES office, EURES services are highly visible. EURES desks, clearly marked with EURES signs, are situated next to other PES services while job-seekers can access the EURES Job Portal from the self-service area available in all offices.
‘Your first EURES Job’ is a ‘targeted mobility scheme’ for young people, financing mobility in Europe. Candidates must be nationals and legal residents in any of those countries. The scheme aims to help young people up to 35 years old to find a job, traineeship or apprenticeship in another member state. It also helps employers to find the workforce they need for their hard-to-fill vacancies.
The public funding available at top level to support the above-mentioned opportunity is not available.
The EURODYSSEE Programme
Eurodyssée is a programme for young people aged between 18 and 30 years old, who are resident in one of the programme’s member regions. Under this programme, trainees are entitled to traineeships from 3 to 7 months, language courses, accommodation, monthly allowance or salary, insurance cover, and certificates.
In Cyprus, Eurodyssee is jointly managed by the Department of Labour (EURES Network) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance and the Union of Cyprus Municipalities (UMC). For support and guidance, youth who are interested must contact the Department of Labour.
According to the Eurodyssee news, the Eurodyssee programme in Cyprus is co-funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Social Fund.
Erasmus Programme for Young Entrepreneurs - Cyprus
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange programme that gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other Participating Countries. New entrepreneurs gather and exchange knowledge and business ideas with an experienced entrepreneur, with whom they stay and collaborate for a period of 1 to 6 months.
There are 3 areas selected by the European Commission to guide youth throughout their exchange: help with the application, help to establish a successful relationship with a suitable entrepreneur, as well as providing answers to questions. Youth should choose a local contact point, which is active in their region. Youth may also be offered the opportunity to participate in an induction course to prepare them for the exchange. There is no information about the public funding for the above-mentioned opportunity.
Cyprus Start-up Visa for Foreign Nationals Of Non-EU Countries
The “Cyprus Startup Visa” scheme allows talented entrepreneurs from third countries [outside the European Union (EU) and outside the European Economic Area (EEA)], individuals or a team, to enter, reside and work in Cyprus in order to establish / operate / develop a Startup with a high growth potential. The scheme’s goal is the creation of new jobs, the promotion of innovation and research, the development of the business ecosystem and consequently the economic development of the country. The scheme supports the establishment of new innovative Startup or the move of established innovative Startups to Cyprus. The scheme is valid from 1 June 2022 until 31 May 2024.
There is no information about the support and guidance to young people engaging in this cross-border mobility.
The public funding made available at top level to support above-mentioned opportunity is not available.
Legal framework
There are no top-level policy measures setting a clear legal framework applying to incoming and outgoing young workers, trainees/apprentices and young professionals/entrepreneurs. However, information about each country’s regulations, social security, etc. can be found on the website of the EURES Network under the section ‘Living and Working’.
Especially for incoming young people who would like to work in Cyprus, information can be found on the website of the EURES Cyprus.