Trade unions have argued that Cyprus could address nursing shortages without recruiting from third countries by bringing back 1,400-1,500 professionals who have left the sector. However, data submitted by the Health Ministry to parliament suggests the pool of potential returnees is far smaller and that staffing shortages are unlikely to be resolved in the near future.
The dispute is not only about how vacancies should be filled, but also about the scale of the shortage itself. While unions challenge the ministry's estimate of a deficit of around 600 nurses, government analysis distinguishes between people listed on professional registers and those who could realistically return to active employment.
The return-to-work numbers
According to the ministry's data, 467 nurses have not renewed their professional licences for more than five years.
Around half of them have been absent from the profession for more than nine years. Their return is considered difficult because it would require unpaid clinical placement, which the ministry says can last an average of eight months.
A further 250 individuals are classified as potentially reactivatable.
However, the survey presented to parliament found that:
- 41% are already working in nursing with licences currently being renewed.
- 14% are working in nursing despite their licences no longer being valid.
- 25% are not employed.
- 20% work outside the nursing profession.
As a result, a significant portion of this group cannot be regarded as additional available staff.
Only 14% said they would consider returning under certain conditions, including:
- Better pay.
- Flexible working hours.
- Jobs outside hospital settings.
- Exemption from mandatory unpaid practical training.
Even this level of interest does not necessarily translate into actual recruitment.
A decade-long challenge
The updated workforce study estimates that in 2025 Cyprus has a supply of 6,272 nurses against demand for 6,858, creating a shortfall of 586 nurses.
The deficit is projected to remain at 411 nurses by 2030, while a surplus of 445 nurses is not expected until 2035.
These forecasts represent only a minimum estimate of future needs. They do not fully account for expanding palliative care and community nursing services, while the planned National Ambulance Authority is expected to require an additional 103 nurses.
At the same time, new hospitals and rehabilitation centres are increasing staffing requirements.
As a result, even if projections for growth in the domestic nursing workforce are realised, questions remain over whether sufficient personnel will be available to support the expansion of healthcare services.
Business groups back recruitment from abroad
During parliamentary discussions, the Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) warned that staff shortages are exhausting healthcare workers, affecting patients and, in some cases, leading to service disruptions.
The organisation backed recruitment from third countries, arguing that the proposed 10% quota is too low.
The Association of Private Hospitals (PASYN) estimated that workforce needs could exceed 1,000 nurses once planned healthcare developments become operational.
Meanwhile, the Cyprus Federation of Patients' Associations (OSAK) called for any solution to include language requirements, regulatory controls and safeguards for patients.
Political resistance remains
Although there is broad agreement that the healthcare system is understaffed, recruitment from third countries continues to face opposition from trade unions and significant reservations from political parties.
AKEL has linked its position to concerns over labour rights, while DISY MPs have argued that any such recruitment should be accompanied by collective labour agreements.
