Cyprus reported a 7.6% annual increase in registered unemployment in May 2026, with 7,936 unemployed persons recorded, down from 8,962 in April but up from 7,378 in May 2025, according to the Statistical Service (Cystat). Seasonally adjusted data also showed a slight monthly improvement, with the number falling to 10,476 in May from 10,516 in April.

The annual rise was mainly driven by sectors such as accommodation and food service, administrative and support services, transportation and storage, and professional, scientific and technical activities. Accommodation and food services experienced an increase to 1,177 unemployed in May 2026 compared to 934 a year earlier, although this represented a decrease from 1,986 in April. Other sectors like construction and wholesale trade saw reductions in unemployment, while manufacturing and financial services remained stable.

Additionally, the number of newcomers registered as unemployed decreased slightly to 254 in May from 297 a year prior. Overall, the data suggest some monthly easing despite the year-over-year increase in registered unemployment figures.