Brussels, 21/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 21 June, the European Commission enjoined Cyprus to apply EU law for penalising employers who exploit illegal migrants on Cypriot territory. The Commission has sent the country a reasoned opinion instructing it to bring its legislation into line with the directive on sanctions to be imposed against employers (Directive 2009/52/EC), by 20 July 2011.
The directive in question targets employers that take advantage of irregular migrants' precarious position and employ them for what are usually low-paid jobs in poor working conditions. It also strengthens the rights of migrant workers by making it a requirement for employers to pay outstanding wages.
If no measures are taken to improve matters within two months after receipt of the reasoned opinion, the European Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the EU to compel Nicosia to comply with EU law, failing which fines will be imposed upon it. All member states are bound by the directive except for Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. (LC/transl.jl)