Supporting Families: Key Information on Maternity Leave, Registering Your Child as an Asylum Seeker, and Accessing Benefits
At Caritas Cyprus, we know how important it is for parents and families to feel supported during life-changing moments like welcoming a new baby. For asylum seekers in Cyprus, navigating government services can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help make it clearer. Here’s what you need to know about maternity leave, registering your child as an asylum seeker, and accessing available benefits.
Maternity Leave for Expecting Mothers
- Duration: Maternity leave in Cyprus is 18 weeks.
- When to take it: You may start maternity leave from the 7th month of pregnancy (9 weeks before your due date). If employed, you are required to begin maternity leave at least 2 weeks before your expected delivery date.
- For unemployed mothers: Registration at the Labour Office and a labour card are not required.
- Receiving social welfare? Ask your doctor for a document stating your expected due date and submit it to Social Welfare.
Registering Your Child as an Asylum Seeker
To secure asylum seeker status for your child, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain a Birth Certificate and Register Your Child as an Asylum Seeker
It is important to register your baby with the relevant authorities as soon as possible. This process ensures your child receives the necessary documentation and, if eligible, access to social welfare benefits.
👉 For more information, please refer to our article: Documents Needed for Newborns of Asylum Seekers.
2. Update Your Social Welfare Records
If you are receiving social welfare benefits, take your child’s Confirmation Letter and Alien Book to the Social Welfare Office to update your records.
Accessing Social Welfare Benefits
Submitting your child’s Confirmation Letter and birth certificate to Social Welfare is essential to receive benefits for your child and your family.
If the father’s name is on the birth certificate, Social Welfare will combine your files so the entire family can access benefits.
📊 Revised Benefit Allowances for Asylum Seekers (October 2022)
🔹 With Rental Contract
| Number of Family Members | Basic Allowance (food, clothing, footwear) | Other Allowance (utilities & minor expenses) | Maximum Rental Allowance (Nicosia*) | Your Check (Basic + Other) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €186 | €75 | €100 | €261 |
| 2 | €279 | €100 | €170 | €379 |
| 3 | €372 | €140 | €290 | €512 |
| 4 | €465 | €170 | €290 | €635 |
| 5 or more | €558 | €200 | €364 | €758 |
🔹 Without Rental Contract
| Number of Family Members | Basic Allowance (food, clothing, footwear) | Other Allowance (utilities & minor expenses) | Maximum Rental Allowance (Nicosia*) | Your Check (Basic + Other) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €186 | €28 | €0 | €214 |
| 2 | €279 | €37 | €0 | €316 |
| 3 | €372 | €52 | €0 | €424 |
| 4 | €465 | €63 | €0 | €528 |
| 5 or more | €558 | €74 | €0 | €632 |
* Actual rental allowance may be less depending on the number of people residing in the property.
** Maximum rental allowances outside Nicosia may be different.