Carer

Last Update on 17/12/2020

Practice as a Carer for the aged or people with disabilities

General Information

In order to practice as a Carer in a small residential unit in the Republic of Cyprus, natural or legal persons need to register at the Social Welfare Services of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance.

The term “Carer” refers to any person who undertakes to take care, in a small residential unit, up to five individuals (including family members), over the age of eighteen years old, who due to a disability or advanced age or any other reasons or circumstances are in need of care and treatment.

Every physical person or legal entity is eligible to register as a Carer, provided that Social Welfare Services is satisfied that he/she is suitable for this purpose and the premises and equipment to be used are suitable.

The application form for the Registration of a Carer (small residential unit) can be submitted either through the PSC Cyprus or by contacting directly the competent authority:

Social Welfare Services
Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance
63 Prodromou,
2063 Strovolos, Nicosia
Tel.: +357 22406701, +357 22406712
Fax: +357 22667907
Email: central.sws@sws.mlsi.gov.cy, ipapatheodoulou@sws.mlsi.gov.cy
Website: http://www.mlsi.gov.cy/sws

  1. The application form should be accompanied by the following documents:

    • Copy of a Carer’s (The manager’s) qualification certificates;
    • Copy of staff members’ qualification certificates;
    • Copy of Identity card of the Carer and each staff member;
    • Copy of the Building Permit or Town Planning Permit;
    • Copy of Certificate of Eligibility by the Cyprus Fire Service;
    • Copy of Certificate of Eligibility by the Public Works Department;
    • Copy of Certificate of Eligibility by the Public Health Services;
    • Copy of Certificate of Eligibility by the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services;
    • Original Health Certificates of the Carer and the Carer’s family members* (see clarification below);
    • Original Certificates of Clear Criminal Record of the Carer and the Carer’s family members;
    • Original Certificate by the Police in accordance with article 22 (6) of the “Prevention and Combating of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography Law, N. 91 (i)/2014” of the Carer and the Carer’s family members.

    *Original (Medical) Health Certificates: blood tests for infectious diseases (hepatitis B (HBsAg) and C (anti-HCV), AIDS HIV (HIV I&II antibodies), syphilis (VDRL) and dermoreaction MANTOUX], food handler certificate (stool-sample analysis) and chest X-ray reports.

     

There are no fees applicable.

On-site inspection of the small residential unit’s premises is carried out by authorized persons of the Director of Social Welfare Services in order to ensure that all the prerequisites are met.

The applicant is informed regarding the authorization decision within four months from the date that the application form and supporting documents have been dully submitted. The authorization shall not be deemed to have been granted if the Social Welfare Services has not replied within the period specified.

The Certificate of Registration of a Carer does not have an expiration date.

The following certificates are subject to annual renewal:

  • Certificate of Eligibility by the Department of Fire Safety,
  • Certificate by the Public Health Services,
  • Certificate by Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services,
  • Health Certificates (the chest X-ray report does not need to be renewed).

The Certificate of Clear Criminal Record & Certificate in accordance with article 22 (6) of the “Prevention and Combating of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography Law, N. 91 (i)/2014” by the Police, as mentioned above, although not subject to annual renewal, may at some point be requested for resubmission by the Social Welfare Services.

Administrative Action Against a Competent Authority’s Decision

Any person may file an Administrative Action at the Administrative court against a decision, act or omission of any competent authority or body.

Pursuant to Article 146 of the Constitution, an Administrative Action may be lodged within 75 days from the date of the decision or act or omission or from the day when such decision or act or omission was notified to the applicant.

The Administrative Court acts as a cassation Court and not as a substantive Court. In other words, the Administrative Court may:
I. Dismiss the Administrative Action
II. Annul wholly or partially the contested decision or act
III. Compel the relevant authority or body to take a certain action

After a decision is annulled, the authority and/or public body must reverse things back to the state prior to when the concerned decision and/or act was executed and reexamine.

Appeal Information

An Appeal may be filed against the Administrative Court’s first-instance decision within a period of 42 days from the date such a decision was given.

At the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal Section) hearing, the contested issue of the appeal remains the legality of the decision or act already adjudicated. However, such a revision of the legality of the decision or act is solely examined on the matters and the extent that the two parties have limited the reasons in the relevant notice of appeal.

The decision adopted by the Supreme Court is considered final in relation to the matter that has been judged.

Registered Carers are obliged to comply with the provisions of the Homes for the Elderly and Disabled Persons Law, and relevant Regulations, as periodically amended, and specifically, among others, to ensure that the requirements regarding the following are met:

  • Carer’s qualifications;
  • Premises and equipment;
  • Maintenance;
  • The Certificate of Registration is posted in a conspicuous place of the establishment.

Inspections by District Social Welfare Officers are carried out regularly in order to verify that the Carers meet the provisions of the relevant Law and Regulations.

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