Thousands of couriers in Cyprus remain without work: new rules for motorcycles

Strict restrictions came into force in Cyprus on 1 July: learner permits no longer allow people to ride a motorcycle without being accompanied by a licensed instructor. An exception is made only for taking the exam or for training in public services.

The new measure puts the food delivery sector at risk, where thousands of foreign couriers (mainly students from India) have for years worked under learner permits. Waiting lines for exams have surged, and the legalization process for foreigners takes about a year because of bureaucracy, as their national licenses are not recognized on the island. As a temporary solution, companies are having to move part of their staff onto bicycles.