The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a proposal by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare for new legislation aimed at modernising the framework governing support for people with disabilities.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Clea Papaellina said the bill, titled The Social Participation, Inclusion and Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities Law of 2026, represents a flagship reform of the government and the welfare ministry.
According to Papaellina, the proposed legislation marks a comprehensive shift in Cyprus’s social policy for people with disabilities, aiming to modernise, upgrade and systematically expand social services and benefits through a unified and holistic legal framework.
Developing new services
The deputy minister said the bill will create the conditions for the gradual development of new services while significantly strengthening existing ones, based on the real needs of citizens.
A central pillar of the legislation is the promotion of independent living. The proposal provides for the decoupling of disability benefits from income criteria for people with severe disabilities.
Greater autonomy and participation
Papaellina also said the bill strengthens the right of people with disabilities to self-determination, guaranteeing their freedom to choose a personal assistant and removing existing restrictions on the designation of carers.
At the same time, the number of beneficiaries will be expanded while opportunities for inclusion in employment, education and social life will be strengthened.
Alignment with EU and UN frameworks
According to the deputy minister, the proposed legislative framework is fully aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030.
She added that the bill was developed following extensive consultations with organisations representing people with disabilities and civil society, and will now be submitted to the House of Representatives for approval.
“With this reform, the state is making a concrete investment in a society without exclusions, promoting equal opportunities, social cohesion and the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in every aspect of public and private life,” Papaellina said.
Source: CNA