Allegations of human trafficking in Ayia Napa have sparked significant concern among MPs, following revelations from a recent Channel 4 documentary. The documentary highlights the exploitation of young women working in the popular Cypriot tourist destination, prompting urgent discussions at the House human rights committee on Monday.
- A spokesperson for the deputy ministry indicated that the multidisciplinary body had convened multiple times in 2024 and once in December 2025 to discuss relevant legislation.
The committee, chaired by Akel MP Irini Charalambides, plans to hear from deputy migration minister Nicholas Ioannides in the coming weeks. Ioannides is expected to brief committee members on the measures his ministry is implementing to protect victims, combat human trafficking, and hold offenders accountable.
During the meeting, police assistant director Andreas Anastasiadis revealed that an ex officio investigation into the documentary’s claims has already commenced. Authorities have taken several statements and are seeking additional information from Channel 4 regarding its findings. The cyber crime department is also investigating a website allegedly advertising job positions in Cyprus, which could be linked to these exploitation claims.
Although Anastasiadis did not disclose specific details to avoid compromising ongoing investigations, he noted that police efforts against human trafficking have intensified in recent years. Since 2021, there have been 30 convictions across 21 cases, with 30 additional cases currently pending.
After the discussion, MPs expressed concern that the multidisciplinary group established to combat human trafficking—under the deputy migration ministry—has not been effective in fulfilling its responsibilities. Charalambides announced her intention to request a transfer of this group’s coordination to the justice ministry, which also oversees police operations.
Charalambides described the current situation as “chaotic,” contrasting sharply with the timetables provided by the Ministry of Interior. She expressed frustration over the inadequacies in the system, stating, “I really do not know what to comment on; I am unable to characterise the situation.”
A spokesperson for the deputy ministry indicated that the multidisciplinary body had convened multiple times in 2024 and once in December 2025 to discuss relevant legislation.
Disy MP Rita Superman highlighted the broader implications of the allegations, asserting that the issue reflects systemic failures that have allowed for exploitation and impunity for years. She pointed out the lack of public discourse around the outcomes of measures supposedly in place to combat human trafficking, equating the absence of complaints to a significant institutional gap.
Superman emphasised that authorities have yet to adequately explain their failure to identify potential victims or coordinate effective services. “We are not talking about ignorance, but about inaction,” she remarked, calling into question the will of the multidisciplinary body to act decisively against human trafficking.
Volt MP Alexandra Attalidou described the situation as a “product of the system,” urging for proactive identification of victims to ensure they receive necessary support. She stressed the importance of zero tolerance towards such crimes, highlighting that many victims are intimidated into silence and often leave the country without seeking help.
In addition to the MPs’ concerns, Ayia Napa mayor Christos Zannetou revealed that the municipality had conducted its own investigation into local establishments and the social and administrative issues affecting the area. However, he pointed out a significant gap in local oversight of accommodations used by seasonal workers, which previously fell under municipal responsibility.
A comprehensive meeting is scheduled for February 6, where Zannetou, Justice Minister Constantinos Ioannou, and police chief Themistos Arnaoutis will discuss ongoing concerns regarding public safety, law enforcement, and management of seasonal workforce accommodations. The discussions will continue to address the allegations of exploitation detailed in the Channel 4 documentary, which claims that young British women are lured to Cyprus under the guise of “working holidays,” only to face illegal employment practices and unsafe living conditions.
