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Channel 4 Documentary Exposes Exploitation in Ayia Napa

Published January 15, 2026, 16:48
Channel 4 Documentary Exposes Exploitation in Ayia Napa

A British documentary by Channel 4 has sparked outrage in Cyprus, revealing appalling working and living conditions, low wages, illegal employment, and incidents of sexual harassment against young British women working in Ayia Napa. The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannettos, stated that he learned about the allegations through the media and not through official notification. The Municipality is evaluating the material and will contact the relevant authorities for investigation, describing the phenomena as unacceptable if proven true. Mr. Zannettos emphasized that the allegations concern specific businesses and do not reflect the overall situation in Ayia Napa, which hosts thousands of workers and tourists each summer. He called on professionals to take responsibility and requested stricter measures, such as the closure of businesses, for those who do not comply with the law. The Police have already ordered an investigation into the revelations in the documentary. The Municipality of Ayia Napa issued a statement declaring zero tolerance for illegal practices and harassment incidents. Mr. Zannettos mentioned that the Police conduct intensive checks for illegal employment issues during the summer, however, the large number of businesses makes it difficult to control them all. He stressed that the actions of a few entrepreneurs cannot characterize the entire sector and Ayia Napa as a whole.