Pregnancy Discrimination During Job Applications in Cyprus: Know Your Rights
In Cyprus, job applicants who are pregnant are legally protected from discrimination — yet many still face bias during the hiring process. Whether subtle or direct, pregnancy discrimination is both unethical and unlawful. This article explains how Cypriot law protects women from discrimination during employment interviews and job applications, and what steps can be taken if rights are violated.
Legal Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination in Cyprus
Cyprus enforces strict anti-discrimination laws aligned with European Union employment directives. These include:
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The Equal Treatment of Men and Women in Employment and Vocational Training Law (L.205(I)/2002)
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The Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation Law (L.58(I)/2004)
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Article 28 of the Constitution of Cyprus, guaranteeing equal treatment and non-discrimination.
These national laws reflect EU frameworks such as Directive 2006/54/EC, which explicitly protects pregnant women and women on maternity leave from any form of unfair treatment or employment bias.
Can an Employer Refuse to Hire You Because You Are Pregnant?
No. Under Cypriot and EU law, it is illegal for an employer to reject a job candidate based on pregnancy. Unlawful practices may include:
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Asking whether a woman is pregnant during a job interview.
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Making hiring decisions based on a candidate’s family planning or maternity leave prospects.
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Offering reduced salary or limited benefits due to pregnancy status.
Any of these actions may constitute pregnancy discrimination at the hiring stage, and employers could face legal claims and penalties.
Are You Required to Disclose Pregnancy in a Job Interview?
A frequent concern for job applicants is whether they need to tell a potential employer that they are pregnant. The answer is no — there is no legal obligation to disclose pregnancy when applying for a job in Cyprus.
Employers must assess all applicants based solely on qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the role. Disclosing pregnancy is a personal choice, and failure to disclose does not give employers the right to alter the employment terms or withdraw an offer.
How to Prove Pregnancy Discrimination During Hiring
Proving pregnancy discrimination during the recruitment process can be challenging, especially if employers avoid making explicit comments. However, you may still have a case if you can provide:
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Written or verbal evidence of discriminatory language.
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Emails or interview notes referencing your pregnancy.
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Witness statements or other proof that your pregnancy influenced the decision.
In Cyprus, discrimination cases can be reported to the Equality Authority or brought before the Labour Disputes Court. If successful, the claimant may be awarded financial compensation for damages, including emotional distress and lost earnings.
Best Practices for Employers to Avoid Discrimination
If you’re an employer in Cyprus, compliance with anti-discrimination law is essential. More importantly, fostering an inclusive workplace improves reputation and employee morale. Here’s how to stay compliant:
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Avoid asking questions about pregnancy, children, or family plans during interviews.
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Apply hiring criteria consistently to all applicants.
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Train HR teams to recognize and avoid unconscious gender bias.
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Ensure company policies on parental leave and equal pay are up to date and transparent.
Following these practices helps build trust with candidates and demonstrates commitment to fair and lawful recruitment.
Final Thoughts: Promote Equality and Know Your Rights
Pregnancy should never stand in the way of employment. Cyprus employment law clearly protects pregnant women during every stage of the hiring process. While legal protections exist, awareness remains key — especially for jobseekers who may feel vulnerable or uncertain about their rights.
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against due to pregnancy while applying for a job, it’s important to seek legal advice or contact the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights (Ombudsman). Taking action helps hold employers accountable and supports a fairer, more equitable job market.
For clear, practical advice tailored to your situation, feel free to reach out to our office, contact us.
The information provided by Michalaki, Pitsillidou & Co LLC is intended solely for general informational purposes and should not be construed as professional or official legal advice. It is recommended that you do not take or refrain from taking any action based on the above information without first seeking legal or other professional guidance.
