Sri Lankan Caregivers in Cyprus: The 24/7 Work Reality

Cyprus has become a key destination for Sri Lankan caregivers seeking employment opportunities abroad. The island nation's aging population has created a high demand for live-in caregivers, many of whom come from Sri Lanka in search of better wages to support their families back home. However, while caregiving jobs promise financial stability, they often come with intense work conditions, long hours, and significant emotional and physical strain.

This article explores the daily challenges of Sri Lankan caregivers in Cyprus, the realities of their demanding work schedules, and the sacrifices they make to sustain their livelihoods.

The Growing Demand for Caregivers in Cyprus

Cyprus has one of the fastest-aging populations in Europe. With many elderly individuals requiring full-time care, families are turning to migrant caregivers to provide essential services. Sri Lankan workers make up a large portion of this workforce due to their willingness to take on demanding roles, their reputation for hard work, and the relatively lower wages they accept compared to local caregivers.

Most caregivers from Sri Lanka come to Cyprus under long-term contracts, typically tied to a single employer. These jobs often involve living in the same household as the person they care for, which can blur the lines between work and personal time.

A 24/7 Work Routine

For many Sri Lankan caregivers, the job is not limited to standard working hours. Instead, it becomes a round-the-clock commitment. Their daily responsibilities typically include:

• Assisting with daily activities: Helping elderly individuals with bathing, dressing, and using the restroom.
• Household chores: Cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
• Medical assistance: Administering medications, checking vital signs, and accompanying their employers to medical appointments.
• Emotional support: Providing companionship and engaging in conversations to prevent loneliness and isolation.

A significant challenge is the lack of defined work hours. Many caregivers find themselves on call throughout the night, especially if the elderly person has health conditions requiring constant attention. Sleep interruptions are common, making exhaustion a regular part of their lives.

Low Wages and High Expectations

Despite working long hours, many caregivers in Cyprus earn relatively low wages. The standard salary for a live-in caregiver often ranges between €300 to €500 per month, with accommodation and food included. While this may seem sufficient by local standards, many caregivers feel that the pay does not match the level of effort required.

Additionally, Sri Lankan caregivers often send a significant portion of their earnings back home to support their families. This financial pressure forces them to continue working under difficult conditions, as they have little choice but to endure the challenges to ensure their loved ones have a better future.

Some workers also face delayed salary payments, deductions for minor mistakes, or even contract violations where they are asked to do more than their agreed responsibilities. Since many of these workers depend on their employers for legal residency, they often feel powerless to speak out against unfair treatment.

Lack of Personal Freedom and Social Isolation

One of the biggest struggles for live-in caregivers is the loss of personal freedom. Unlike regular jobs, where employees leave work at the end of the day, live-in caregivers often have little to no privacy or personal time. Their lives revolve entirely around their employer’s needs.

Many caregivers also experience social isolation. Their work schedules leave little opportunity to meet others, build friendships, or participate in social activities. Language barriers can further contribute to loneliness, as some caregivers struggle to communicate effectively with their employers or local residents.

Some workers also fear losing their jobs if they request time off, even when they are sick. The lack of labor protections makes it difficult for them to demand better conditions.

Legal and Workplace Challenges

While Cyprus has labor laws to protect migrant workers, many caregivers face exploitation due to a lack of enforcement. Some of the common legal and workplace issues include:

• Overwork and unpaid wages: Employers often demand excessive working hours without additional pay.
• Verbal and physical abuse: Some caregivers face mistreatment from their employers or their employer’s family members.
• Passport withholding: Some employers illegally hold onto workers’ passports to prevent them from leaving.
• Limited legal support: Many caregivers are unaware of their rights or fear retaliation if they report workplace violations.

While there are organizations advocating for migrant workers' rights in Cyprus, the fear of job loss and deportation prevents many Sri Lankan caregivers from seeking help.

Mental and Physical Health Impact

The demanding nature of caregiving takes a toll on both mental and physical health. Many caregivers suffer from:

• Chronic fatigue due to long working hours and interrupted sleep.
• Back and joint pain from lifting and assisting elderly patients.
• Depression and anxiety from stress, isolation, and homesickness.

Without proper healthcare support, many workers push through their exhaustion, afraid that seeking medical attention might result in job termination.

Coping Strategies and Survival Tactics

Despite these hardships, Sri Lankan caregivers find ways to cope and support one another. Some of the strategies they use include:

• Building support networks: Many caregivers form small communities, offering each other emotional support and advice.
• Online communication: Keeping in touch with family members back home through social media helps them stay connected.
• Religious and cultural activities: Attending religious services or cultural gatherings when possible helps them maintain their identity and find comfort.

Additionally, some caregivers pursue alternative income opportunities such as freelance work or online businesses to improve their financial situation.

Conclusion

Sri Lankan caregivers in Cyprus play a crucial role in supporting the elderly population, yet their work remains undervalued. The 24/7 nature of their job leaves them physically and emotionally drained, with little time for themselves. While financial stability is the main reason for taking these jobs, many caregivers face significant sacrifices, including limited personal freedom, social isolation, and workplace exploitation.

For change to occur, stronger labor protections and better enforcement of existing laws are necessary. Awareness and advocacy can also help improve the conditions of Sri Lankan caregivers, ensuring they receive fair wages, humane working hours, and the respect they deserve.

Until then, these caregivers will continue navigating the challenges of their demanding jobs while holding onto the hope of a better future for themselves and their families.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or employment advice. The experiences of caregivers may vary, and readers should conduct further research or seek professional guidance if needed.