What's Happening?
Independent Turkish Cypriot 'MP' Aysegul Baybars has raised concerns about the composition of the workforce in Northern Cyprus, stating that less than half of the workforce are Cypriots. During a legislative session discussing the 'labour ministry's'
budget, Baybars highlighted the transformation of the workforce into a multinational structure, with 52% being foreign workers. She criticized the current policies for failing to protect the local workforce and called for improved vocational training for Turkish Cypriots. Additionally, Baybars opposed the idea of granting amnesty to the informal economy, which has allowed over 6,000 irregular migrants to continue living and working in the north. The debate comes amid ongoing questions about the actual population size in the north, with estimates suggesting it could be much larger than the official figure of 590,000 provided by 'Prime Minister' Unal Ustel.
Why It's Important?
The issue of workforce composition in Northern Cyprus is significant as it reflects broader socio-economic challenges, including the integration of foreign workers and the protection of local employment. The reliance on foreign labor could impact the local economy and social cohesion, potentially leading to tensions between different demographic groups. Moreover, the debate over population size and the granting of citizenships could have political implications, affecting resource allocation and governance. The concerns raised by Baybars highlight the need for policy reforms to address these challenges and ensure sustainable development in the region.
