Cyprus
Overview
Please review the information below and then return to the workplace harassment prevention course.
Harassment and discrimination based on a protected characteristic are prohibited under national law. National law also provides employees protection from bullying.
Applicable Laws
The primary national laws prohibiting employment discrimination and harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic are:
- The Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation Law of 2004 (Law 58(I)/2004),
- The Equal Treatment of Men and Women in Employment and Vocational Training Law of 2002 (Law 205(I)/2002) and
- The Law on the Prevention and Combating of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace of 2025 (Law 42(I)/2025).
Employers have an obligation, under the Safety and Health at Work Law of 1996 (Law 89(I)/1996) and Law 42(I)/2025, to provide a safe and healthy working environment, to prevent bullying and harassment, and to stop this conduct if it occurs.
Protected Characteristics
Harassment or discrimination based on any characteristic set forth below is prohibited in Cyprus.
- Gender (including pregnancy)
- Race, colour or community
- National or ethnic origin
- Language
- Religion or belief
- Political or other opinion
- Age
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
Regional, state or other political subdivision laws may provide additional, separate standards and remedies for certain prohibited conduct.
Definitions
Harassment
Harassment occurs when unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic is exhibited for the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive work environment for that person.
Harassment also includes a single act or pattern of verbal, physical, psychological, sexual or economic conduct with the same purpose or effect, regardless of whether it is linked to a protected characteristic.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment occurs when unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature is exhibited for the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, in particular by creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive work environment.
Filing a Claim in Cyprus
A claim for employment discrimination or harassment may be filed with the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman). Employment discrimination and harassment claims may also be filed with the Industrial Disputes Court or reported to the Police.
Potential Remedies
In Cyprus, an employee who has experienced workplace discrimination or harassment may be entitled to monetary and other remedies, including reinstatement. An employer or individual may also be subject to criminal penalties.
Retaliation Prohibited
Employer retaliation against an employee who files a complaint relating to discrimination or harassment or is involved in the complaint process is unlawful.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only.
It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.