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Cyprus boasts a vibrant local and international labor market with a pool of skilled and multilingual professionals.
Many ICT companies have opted for Cyprus as their headquarters, capitalizing on the availability of talented employees proficient in marketing, software development, and more.
To organize a compliant hiring, you must conduct a thorough employee screening in Cyprus.
This involves compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including data protection and privacy legislation.
Skuad performs background checks if you partner with us for EOR.
On that note, below is a detailed outline of the various steps and considerations of employee background checks in Cyprus.
What is an Employee Background Check?
Employers use employee background checks to verify potential employee’s credentials, qualifications, and history before making a hiring decision.
The primary purpose of an employee background check in Cyprus is to assess the accuracy of the information provided by an individual in their resume or employment application.
It enables employers to differentiate the skills of all potential candidates by narrowing down the qualifications desired by the enterprise.
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Talk to an expertWhat are the Benefits of Background Checks in Cyprus?
When done effectively, employee screening in Cyprus can bring several advantages to an organization.
A few examples include legal compliance, which can instill confidence in employers about their hiring decisions.
- Background checks help mitigate risks associated with hiring individuals with a history of criminal behavior, dishonesty, or other misconduct.
- By screening potential employees, employers can reduce the likelihood of workplace theft, fraud, violence, or other security issues.
- Employers can select individuals who are more likely to succeed and be satisfied with their jobs by ensuring that candidates have the necessary skills and experience.
- This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of early turnover due to mismatches between job requirements and employee capabilities.
- Conducting background checks helps employers comply with legal and regulatory requirements in Cyprus, including those related to data protection and privacy.
- Adhering to these regulations helps to avoid common legal troubles and potential fines or penalties.
What Are The Types Of Background Checks In Cyprus?
Below are some common types of employee background checks conducted in Cyprus.
Criminal record check
A criminal record check in Cyprus involves obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate from the police headquarters in Cyprus.
Applicants who have lived in Cyprus for a minimum of six months are required to furnish the below-mentioned documents.
- Birth Certificate
- Identity Card of the applicant
- Current passport, as well as any passport held while residing in Cyprus
- Completed application form
Individuals not registered as official citizens of Cyprus must provide additional documentation, such as a pink slip, alien book, yellow slip, or any other proof of residency in Cyprus.
In addition to these requirements, a fee of €20 must be paid to process the police clearance certificate.
Once all the procedures are completed, you can get a certificate within three working days.
Employment history check
In Cyprus, conducting an employment history check involves verifying the details of an individual’s past employment experiences.
It includes job positions, dates of employment, and responsibilities.
You can directly contact the candidate’s former employer to verify the accuracy of the information provided.
You can contact them via phone or email to confirm details about previous employment.
Medical screening
In Cyprus, it is not mandatory to conduct a medical screening for potential employees. However, some jobs require employees to have medical examinations before or soon after they start the job.
This must comply with relevant laws and regulations, such as the Personal Data Protection Law.
Additionally, employees in these positions might need to undergo regular medical check-ups throughout their employment.
If an employee does not participate in these medical screenings, they might not be able to continue in their job.
Credit history check
Credit checks involve gathering and analyzing an individual’s credit and financial information to assess their creditworthiness and economic responsibility.
Obtaining the candidate’s consent is of utmost importance before conducting a credit history check in Cyprus.
Even then, credit history checks are allowed by Cyprus laws only in limited situations, such as when the job role is related to the direct handling of money or finances.
Education history
It involves verifying the educational qualifications, degrees, diplomas, or certifications claimed by an individual.
This process ensures that the candidate’s educational background aligns with the job requirements and that they possess the necessary qualifications to perform effectively in the role.
Social media check
Employees in Cyprus are generally not required to disclose their social media accounts to their employers. However, you can review publicly available information on a candidate’s social media profiles or online activity.
This includes information the candidate has chosen to share publicly, such as posts, comments, or photos.
Requirements for Background Check in Cyprus
The documents required for conducting background checks in Cyprus usually vary depending on the type of screening (medical, criminal record, credit history, and more). Nonetheless, some of the most common requirements include,
- Basic details about the candidate, including their contact information, address, full name
- Identification documents: passport, national identity card, or driver’s license.
- Educational certificates or diplomas
- Details related to past employers, job titles, dates of employment, salary slips, and experience letters.
Steps in Conducting Background Check in Cyprus
Conducting different types of background checks in Cyprus is a straightforward and systematic process that ensures thoroughness, fairness, and compliance with legal and ethical considerations.
Below are some of the many steps in this process, designed to reassure employers about the ease of conducting these checks.
- Obtaining the applicant’s consent
You must start by obtaining the candidate’s permission to access their information.
Individuals must be provided with a clear explanation of the purpose and scope of the checks and be allowed to provide their consent.
- Select the appropriate checks
You must conduct a tailored background check for the position's role and responsibilities.
For example, roles involving financial responsibilities may include credit history checks, whereas those dealing with sensitive information might demand criminal record checks.
- Utilizing reliable sources for verifying information
While conducting employee screening in Cyprus, it is crucial to validate data only from credible and reliable sources.
This includes official records, such as educational institutions, previous employers, and professional references.
You can also contact Cyprus Police Headquarters and Divisional Police stations for criminal records.
- Analyzing the results to make informed decisions
A careful and thorough evaluation of the findings of the background checks is necessary to make a well-informed hiring decision.
By considering all relevant factors, such as the candidate’s experience, references, and the results of the background checks, employers can assess whether the candidate meets the requirements of the role.
- Ensuring compliance with applicable laws
Since employee screening usually involves highly personal data, it is crucial to handle it with care and confidentiality, ensuring that it is stored, processed, and disposed of securely, following the data protection laws in Cyprus.
Are Employee Background Checks Legal in Cyprus?
Yes, employee background checks in Cyprus are legal, but they must be conducted in compliance with data protection laws and regulations.
This includes the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets out certain rules and requirements for the protection of personal data and the rights of individuals regarding their information.
Planning To Hire In Cyprus? Skuad Can Help
Skuad’s comprehensive platform is a one-stop destination for handling the entire lifecycle of international hiring.
From managing payroll and HR operations to ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, Skuad is the perfect solution for revolutionizing your global employment journey.
In addition, Skuad boasts unmatched customer support, including 24/7 assistance, personalized guidance, and expert advice from our seasoned people ops experts.
As your EOR in Cyprus, Skuad does background checks too.
Book a demo today to learn more about how Skuad can empower your organization to thrive in today’s dynamic global marketplace.
FAQs
Q1: What happens during employee screening?
Ans: Employee screening in Cyprus consists of various background checks to verify the accuracy of an individual's information. This may involve checking employment history, educational credentials, and criminal records.
Q2: What is the notice period for employees in Cyprus?
Ans: The duration of the notice period for employees in Cyprus differs based on the years of employment of an individual. For example, employees who have worked for 26 to 51 weeks are eligible for a one-week notice period.
Q3: What is the termination law in Cyprus?
Ans: The termination law in Cyprus lays down some common grounds for an employer to terminate an individual's employment. These include misconduct, persistent absence from work, and role misfit.
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