seasonal workers — A Channel 4 documentary has revealed the shocking realities of sexual harassment and systemic labour exploitation faced by British seasonal workers in Cyprus. The programme, titled Untold: Undercover Working Holidays, features investigative journalist Tir Dhondy, who went undercover to expose the grim truth behind the so-called “working holiday” packages marketed to young Britons heading to Ayia Napa.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
The documentary captures a disturbing environment where nightclub owners leverage their power to demand sexual favours from employees. One particularly harrowing moment includes a nightclub manager suggesting, in a joking manner, that a sexual act could expedite the hiring process. Another employer was recorded admitting to the degrading act of exposing the breasts of female workers as part of a twisted recruitment method.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Further testimonies from workers illustrate a pervasive scam; upon arrival in Cyprus, they encounter unexpected fees and are forced to endure deplorable living conditions. Many reported squalid accommodations lacking basic amenities such as running water, with some rooms infested with mould and insects. The unsettling account of Isobel, who awoke to find an unknown man looming over her bed, underscores the dangerous realities many face.
Beyond living conditions, workers were pushed into illegal activities, such as selling nitrous oxide balloons, with instructions to flee if confronted by law enforcement. These practices highlight the exploitative nature of the companies selling these holiday packages, which often neglect to inform workers about the legal requirements needed to work in Cyprus after the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Andrew Wallis, CEO of Unseen, commented on the dire situation: “What we observe happening in Cyprus is that accommodation is linked to work, but the housing is always substandard. Most of the time, the cost of accommodation essentially wipes out what they can potentially earn, and very quickly they feel trapped.” He further explained that without the proper work visas, British nationals are vulnerable to arrest and possible criminal records.
Virginia Mantouvalou, a Professor of Human Rights and Labour Law at University College London, noted that the undocumented status of these workers is exploited by employers, who are aware of their vulnerability and fear of police involvement. This dynamic perpetuates a cycle of abuse and intimidation.
In response to the documentary, police sources indicated they would seek to locate Dhondy to gather more evidence for an ongoing investigation. Officials stated their intention to probe all allegations stemming from the documentary, including those of sexual harassment and labour exploitation.
Ayia Napa’s Mayor, Christos Zannettou, acknowledged the existence of such issues and promised to identify substandard staff accommodations. However, he insisted that these incidents do not reflect the overall image of the region. The Ayia Napa Municipality later condemned the “illegal and unacceptable” practices highlighted in the documentary, pledging a policy of zero tolerance toward harassment and exploitation.
The revelations have drawn strong reactions from advocacy organisations. The POGO Women’s Movement described the findings as indicative of a regime of “modern slavery with a clear gender dimension.” They emphasised the testimonies of vulnerable women, many of whom are minors, who have faced systematic abuse and coercion.
In a formal letter to the Chief of Police, POGO demanded a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved. Similarly, the trade union PEO has called for immediate action, pointing to the need for better oversight and systemic reforms regarding employment permits for foreign workers. The union’s statements reflect ongoing concerns about human trafficking mechanisms operating within Cyprus’s labour market.
