Commissioner for Administration: Recommendations to MFA for Diplomats' Spouses

Commissioner for Administration Maria Stylianou-Lottidi submitted a report to the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, proposing the acceleration of the new Foreign Allowance Plan. The aim is to ensure the support of diplomats' spouses/partners in their employment and pension rehabilitation, as well as to protect their family unity and well-being.

The report followed an examination of a complaint by an Ambassador - Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the treatment of diplomats' spouses accompanying their spouses abroad. The Commissioner also suggests that the family relationship be taken into account in recruitment for local scientific staff/expert positions, provided that the spouse/partner possesses the necessary qualifications.

The Commissioner clarifies that, based on the information presented to her Office, there is no direct or indirect discrimination between Cypriot and non-Cypriot diplomats' spouses, nor discrimination based on other protected characteristics.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cypriot/Greek-speaking and non-Cypriot/non-Greek-speaking spouses of diplomatic service members serve in local staff positions, provided they meet the qualifications. It is noted that the complainant's spouse did not apply for a relevant position.

In the last five years, no spouses of diplomatic service members have served in scientific staff positions, therefore it cannot be substantiated that non-Cypriots are excluded from these positions.

Source: CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY