An important increase has been observed in the number of registered insured workers in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. According to data from the Central Bank of Northern Cyprus, 80,725 of the total 171,248 insured workers are citizens of Northern Cyprus, while 90,523 are foreign workers with work permits. This indicates that more than half of the workers are comprised of foreign labor.
Increase in Workers with Work Permits
The latest data shows that the number of insured workers with work permits was 82,771 in October 2024, increasing to 90,523 by January 2026. This rise indicates an approximate increase of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the number of insured workers who are citizens of Northern Cyprus also rose from 76,550 to 80,725 during the same period, representing a growth rate of 5.5%.
The proportion of citizens of Northern Cyprus among total insured workers was recorded at 47.1%. The share of citizens from the Republic of Turkey was 27.2%, whereas the share of citizens from other countries was determined to be 25.7%.
Strengthening Financial Situation
Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu, the Minister of Labor and Social Security, emphasized that the increasing number of workers positively impacts the country’s financial situation. Hasipoğlu stated that the total fund amount in social insurances has reached 13 billion TL. He mentioned, “We currently have enough funds to pay the 13th salary three times.”
The Minister also noted that employers receive a total of 400 million TL per month in premium support, benefiting approximately 80,000 workers. This support program covers various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, production, construction, transportation, as well as businesses like restaurants and hairdressers.
Hasipoğlu highlighted that the financial structure of the Social Insurance Fund is strengthening and that new applications for labor force support are ongoing. He announced that social security premium support for women citizens of Northern Cyprus will be raised from 80% to 100%, while the support for men will increase from 60% to 80%.
The monthly salary support provided for new insured citizens of Northern Cyprus will also rise from 20,000 TL to 35,000 TL. Minister Hasipoğlu noted that these incentives aim to maintain the purchasing power of workers and increase labor market participation.
Expressing that the country’s economy is revitalized due to these developments, new workplaces are opening, leading to new job opportunities, Hasipoğlu emphasized that the increase in the number of insured workers significantly contributes to the economy.
Source: www.diyaloggazetesi.com
