Moving to Cyprus
If you are due to come to Cyprus, or have just arrived, make sure you contact your local HIVE and find out the date of the next Welcome Briefing. These provide a great way to meet other newly-arrived families, help in enhancing knowledge of your local civilian and military community, including your own responsibilities whilst in Cyprus as part of that community. You can approach AFF Cyprus with any questions you want answering, any problems you would like resolved and, of course, with any positive aspects of life in Cyprus you feel may be helpful to others already here or maybe on their way.
Checklist for this page
National Insurance Contributions
EU changes in Cyprus and employment
Sure Start Maternity Grant
Childminding in Cyprus
Learning Opportunities
Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Information for disabled drivers
Your BFPO Service in Cyprus
Bringing your pets to Cyprus
School Children’s Visits
Escorting school children
Visits of children from a previous marriage
National Insurance Contributions
If you have seen the Benefits Agency booklet SA12 you will know that there is a social security agreement between the UK and Cyprus. This sets the rules for the various benefits we can claim on return to the UK and should enable a degree of reciprocity between National Insurance Contributions (NICs) paid in Cyprus and the UK.
Evidence coming to us from dependants returning to the UK suggests that the reciprocal agreement is not working and the International Office for the Inland Revenue in Newcastle are telling some enquirers that contributions paid in Cyprus are "worthless". We are very keen to explore this further and, if appropriate, raise the matter with the Service Families Task Force. So, if you are experiencing problems with NICs and are willing to let us use your case as evidence, PLEASE get in touch. We cannot ask for change without your help.
On the subject of NICs – are you aware that you can protect your basic NIC payments and therefore state pension contributions, whether you are working or not, if you receive Child Benefit for dependant children? If you do not know about Home Responsibilities Protection do get in touch and we can send you the application details. The process is simple and will ensure that you do not lose basic stamp cover whilst in Cyprus.
EU changes in Cyprus and employment
Cyprus became a member of the European Union (EU) in May 2004 and, whilst life in the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) goes on very much as it has before, there have been some changes, including some improvement on the employment front for dependants.
Freedom of movement, which covers all EU member states and their citizens, has now arrived in Cyprus. This means that dependants, provided they are EU citizens, can now seek employment in the Republic of Cyprus without the burden of requiring work permits. This also applies in respect of working locally for employers already
established in the SBA other than the ‘force’ itself. The best way to find employment is to search the job pages in the local English language newspapers, or by approaching the local employment bureaux listed in the Cyprus Yellow Pages. Working ‘outside of the wire’ will not affect your dependency status.
Of course, there is still some employment available ‘behind the wire’, although opportunities are limited. Dependants are encouraged to register with their local Civilian Labour Recruitment Office (CLRO) upon arrival. You need to take your proof of educational qualifications and an up to date CV. You then wait to be called forward for interview. You can also read the employment page of our local Forces newspaper, the Cyprus Lion, which is sold throughout the SBAs.
If you are self-employed, another avenue is to apply for a Business Licence through your HCSO (Housing Community Support Officer). Current policy means, however, that the issue of licences is restricted. For example if 7 dependants apply to the HCSO for a Business Licence to run a Hairdressing Service from home, only two licences will be issued, this is because many of these services can already be offered by the local Cypriot population. Under the Treaty of Establishment, this policy is unlikely to change.
Tax and National Insurance (NI) are payable at local rates. Income Tax is currently 34.17 cents in the Euro for any earnings in excess of Euros 1708. This rises to 42.71 cents in the Euro for earnings over Euros 2562. There is a reciprocal arrangement regarding NI contributions with the UK, so these do count toward your UK contribution record but will only be registered on your record once you have paid your first NI contribution back in the UK.
In accordance with the Treaty of Establishment, eligibility to apply for
UK Dependant (UKD) jobs on any of the British Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) is restricted to anyone married to Service personnel/Civil Servant/MOD Police or Teacher working for British Forces Cyprus.
Cyprus joined the EU on 1st May 2004 and EU citizens are now eligible to apply for work in the Republic of Cyprus. However, employment opportunities are limited for non-Greek speakers. See below for a few ideas to help you gain employment in Cyprus:
The UK Citizen’s Association exists to help newcomers to the island in settling and going through the various formalities involved but cannot assist in finding employment. They can be contacted at:
Nicosia: UKCA Ltd. PO Box 1881 Nicosia Tel no: 00357 22 447950
e-mail: memsec@ukca.com.cy
Paphos: UKCA Ltd, Clubhouse, Chlorakas Ave, 8220 Paphos Tel: 00357 26 952470
Larnaca: UKCA Ltd, Clubhouse, 120 Stadium St, 6060 Larnaca Tel: 00357 24 621052
There is booklet called “Moving to and Living in Cyprus”, and the two page index and two sample sections maybe viewed at their website, click on the link ‘Moving to Cyprus’. It is also available through its publisher.
Web site : www.crocguides.com
Publisher: James Franklin, PO Box 54359, 3723 Limassol, Cyprus
There are also recruitment Agencies, and these can be found in the Yellow Pages for Limassol and Larnaca.
Work can be found with offshore companies, but AFF Cyprus Branch Office does not hold a list. The companies do advertise their job vacancies in the following English language newspapers:
The Cyprus Weekly, PO Box 1922, Nicosia
The Cyprus Mail, PO Box 1144, Nicosia
Useful Contacts:
The British High Commission Hotline number for general enquiries: 909 16666 – 7.30 am to 6 pm weekdays and 9 am to 6 pm at weekends.
Immigration Office (Orphanides roundabout) 000357 25 805200 8.00am to 12.30 pm.
Sure Start Maternity Grant
If you are receiving Working Tax Credit (which includes a disability or severe disability element) or Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element, you may be able to claim the Sure Start Maternity Grant. To apply for SSMG you will need Form SF100 which can be obtained via AFF Branch Office or your local HIVE It can also be downloaded from the DWP website www.dwp.gov.uk. There is a fixed period during which you may apply and this is 11 weeks before the week your baby is due, until 3 months after your baby is born.
Previously, SSMG was paid locally via your Unit Administration Office. However, this changed in Sept 06 and you now need to apply to the following address:
Dept for Work & Pensions, PO Box 158, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1XE
Tel: 0044 845 850 0032 Fax: 0044 1603 692601
All applicants have been requested to annotate the personal details part of the form with 'HM Forces Staff'.
The grant will only be paid direct to a UK bank or building society account.
Make sure all sections are completed including the health professional's statement on the back page and keep a photocopy for your records. This could help you in any appeal procedure. Also, do not accept a verbal refusal - ask for it in writing.
If you do not have access to a computer or need help in any way, please contact AFF Branch Office in Cyprus, Room 129, Block E, Episkopi Support Unit, BFPO 53. Tel no: 00357 25 96 2110.
Childminding in Cyprus
Employment opportunities within the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) can be limited but there is a way to equip oneself with a necessary employment skill and particularly one that is portable: Childminding.
AFF suggests that if you know you are coming to Cyprus and would like to qualify as a Childminder, you may find it beneficial to start the process whilst still in the UK. We have a factsheet available to download on the AFF Cyprus page
Learning Opportunities
The European Computer Driving Licence
ECDL is a European qualification designed specifically for those who wish to demonstrate their competence in the use of Information Technology. From the beginning of 2004, those wishing to take the ECDL can do so at an Army Learning Centre located within an Army Education Centre. You will be expected to pay for the examination, currently Sterling £45, as it is a civilian qualification but tutoring costs are free.
Higher Education
Anyone interested in finding out more about degree courses should visit their nearest Army Education Centre at either 55 AEC in Episkopi or 54 AEC in Dhekelia, or the Education Centres at RAF Akrotiri or Ay Nik.
If you are hoping to continue higher education whilst living overseas, be sure to check with your university that you can do so without extra cost. It is also important to establish whether you will be able to have access to the necessary texts and information.
Army Learning Centres
There are five ALC’s on island – all of which offer learners access to over 800 courses. These range from numeracy and literacy, home office computing to specialist computing and business and management courses. The most popular subject is the home and office computing series. Many people just want to learn how to switch their PC on and check their e-mails. The more advanced may want to build a website. You can do as little or as much in a session as you want to. All Army, Navy, RAF, Civil Service personnel, locally employed civilians and their dependants are entitled to use the centres. For UK taxpayers, 95% of the courses are free and you only pay for exam fees.
Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
There are special arrangements which enable contribution-based JSA to be transferred abroad for payment in countries where EC regulations apply. This included Cyprus from 1st May 2004
To qualify for the TRANSFER of the UK contribution-based JSA, it is necessary to satisfy all of the following four conditions:
- Be a person who is legally resident in the UK and legally moves to Cyprus
- Be going to seek work in another country where EC regulations apply
- Be entitled to receive payment of JSA on the day of departure from the UK
- Be registered at a Jobcentre Plus Office as a jobseeker available for work for a four week period before departure. However, this can be reduced to a minimum of four days for people who are accompanying a spouse/partner who has been posted abroad or has a job abroad.
We have produced factsheets about JSA available to download on the AFF Cyprus page.
Information for disabled drivers
Parking restrictions: Cyprus is now part of the EU and so the blue disabled parking badges are recognized. There are some parking bays marked for disabled drivers in municipal car parks but they are few and far between. They will often be used by non disabled drivers. You will find that local people in Cyprus park mostly where they want to. However, there are traffic wardens and Cyprus is becoming stricter on enforcing the parking and driving regulations.
Application for a blue badge can only be made to the Social Services Department of your local council in the UK.
A disabled person maybe exempted from road tax but this is only decided on application which should be made through Inland Department & Licensing Authority, Ministry of Communications and Work. Their contact numbers are: 00357 22807139 or 22 807137. In Cyprus, only the registered owner can apply for the road tax. For more information e-mail: caa@cytanet.com.cy , visit www.cyprusaa.org
We have a factsheet available to download on the AFF Cyprus page
Your BFPO Service in Cyprus
- A letter or parcel with a BFPO address will initially enter the Royal Mail system and then be forwarded to their Main Depot in Northolt, Ruislip, Middlesex.
- Parcels weighing more than 2 kg are despatched via container and shipped to Cyprus. The terms of the Service level agreement allows 42 days for delivery from receipt at BFPO London to the point of destination Forces Post Office
- If mail is damaged or undelivered, customers should initially contact the SNCO in charge of their Forces Post Office, who will provide advice and issue any relevant forms. If still unresolved, the case is referred to the Customer Care Unit at HQ BFPO
- Make sure that all mail is correctly and legibly addressed. DO NOT include the word CYPRUS
- Check that the Mail Order or internet Companies will deliver to a BFPO address before placing your order
- If it is valuable or important, send your mail special delivery and/or take out appropriate and adequate insurance via your Forces Post Office.
Bringing your pets to Cyprus
From 1st October 2004 animals moving around within the EU require a European Pet Passport and a suitable travel box which complies with IATA Regulations for the movement of live animals. The passport can be obtain from your local UK vet and requires that your pet is micro-chipped, has had rabies vaccinations and a blood test. It is also a requirement that 24-48 hours prior to flight your pet has flea, tick and worm treatment, you should ask your UK vet to do this and ensure that the relevant pages of the passport are completed. If this is not carried out, upon arrival in Cyprus, your pet will be subject to one month’s quarantine and a payment of Euros €44.42 at the airport.
When entering Cyprus either through Larnaca or Paphos Airport your pet will still need to be checked over by the local vet here and there will be an inspection of all paperwork. With the advent of the European Pet Passport, and provided your pet’s is up-to-date, there will be no need for quarantine.
The British Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) in Episkopi runs an Import/Export Clinic on a voluntary unpaid basis. They are available to provide you with all the information and help you require either to bring in or take home your pet. Please contact them on military 25 211200 and from the UK 00357 25211200 if you wish to use their service.
For further up-dates on this check the following web-sites: www.barc-cyprus.org and also www.defra.gov.uk and go to the Animal Health and Welfare page. You can also download a pdf copy of our factsheet on the AFF cyprus page
School Children’s Visits
Movement to and from Cyprus:
The use of civil air for the purpose of SCV's - school children's visits - to Cyprus maybe permitted for children up to the age of 16. Children aged 16 and over must use the Air Trooper. If a Service parent has two or more children who are travelling together and whose ages are either side of the above threshold, the children must travel by Air Trooper with the oldest child acting as escort for the younger child or children.
The Gateway House Air Transit Centre is making every effort to make younger unaccompanied passengers, and women travelling alone or with young families feel safe and supported. ‘Vulnerable’ passengers where possible are allocated their own rooms and located away from large single-sex contingents. Gateway House has recently invested in more up-to–date facilities for childcare including baby changing facilities and new indoor and outdoor play areas. The reception is manned 24 hours per day and each room has a 2-way communication system so reception staff can be contacted at the push of a button. Information sheets are available at Reception with specific details of use for unaccompanied families or teenagers.
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Escorting school children
Parents with children at boarding schools in the UK who worry about their children travelling alone when visiting for school holidays may have their fears and worries reduced if they employ a respectable and dependable escort agency. The companies recommended by the Army Families Advice Bureau are as follows:-
Universal Aunts Ltd , PO box 304, London SW4 ONN, Tel. No. 0171 738 8937 Fax 0171 499 8200
Welmet, Mrs Gina Riley, April Cottage, Byworth, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0HL, Tel No. 01798 344211 Fax 01798 342215. Website: www.welmet.co.uk
SSAFA Escort services, SSAFA Central Office, 19 Queens street, London SE1 2LP, Tel.No. 0171 403 8783 Fax 0171 403 8815
Country cousins and emergency mothers, 10 Market Square, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1EX, Tel. No. 01403 210415.
For further details of these services request fact sheet 2/14 from the Army Families Bureau
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Visits of children from a previous marriage
The new School Children’s Visits regulations mean that no unaccompanied minors will be able to use trooper flights. This brings the issue of visits for children from a previous marriage back into the limelight. One of the few economical options for parents separated from their children is for them to try and use indulgence flights to Cyprus for their children’s visits. Provision to enable parents in this position to maintain links with their children and fulfil their parental responsibilities is an issue needing high priority.