A/HRC/13/7 job over a specified period. Migrant workers have the same rights as any other employee regarding social insurance benefits and medical coverage. Special inspector units have been set up to monitor the implementation of the labour laws and the proper implementation of contracts for employees from third countries. 28. Free collective bargaining fixes the minimum wage for 65 per cent of the employment force, which applies to third country-nationals. The minimum wage for certain unorganized occupations is fixed by ministerial order at the level of 50 per cent of the median wage and is considered to be sufficient for a decent standard of living. The minimum wage fixed by collective agreements is higher than the one fixed by the ministerial order. A special mechanism is available to examine disputes between thirdcountry employees and employers. 29. Detention of irregular migrants and rejected asylum-seekers does not exceed six months. If a deportation order cannot be executed within a reasonable time, irregular migrants or rejected asylum-seekers may be set free and given a special residence permit, provided that they have not been convicted for a criminal offence and do not pose a threat to public order. 30. The delegation highlighted the extension of the right of employment of asylumseekers to various sectors of the economy. As of 2009, asylum-seekers and refugees are entitled, by law, to free legal aid. In relation to the housing of asylum-seekers, there is an ongoing pilot project. The Asylum Service has not received complaints from asylumseekers relating to racially motivated incidents in the Kofinou Centre. As a rule, any complaint made known to the authorities is properly investigated. If there is a suspicion that asylum-seekers are victims of torture they are referred to a specialized unit for identification and rehabilitation of victims of torture. All asylum-seekers receive public health-care services free of charge. Persons granted international protection are entitled to the same benefits as Cypriot citizens. 31. Since 2005, all detention facilities have been renovated. Detention conditions have improved significantly, as reflected in the 2008 report of the Committee against Torture.. 32. Detention facilities with a capacity of approximately 300 persons are under construction to host migrants illegally entering or residing in Cyprus. All detention facilities will be in accordance with requirements set forth by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. 33. Cyprus ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT) in April 2009. Several mechanisms are in place for investigating allegations of police misconduct and imposing sanctions where appropriate. In 2009, the Directory of Professional Standards was established as an internal self-monitoring mechanism. To harmonize professional police conduct with the multicultural nature of the society, the Cyprus Police has incorporated, at all levels of police training, specialized courses, lectures and workshops on human rights, racism and diversity. 34. Cyprus expressed the Government’s determination to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings. A specialized police service for combating trafficking in human beings was established in 2004. A manual of interdepartmental procedures regulates the joint efforts of all stakeholders, while sufficient safe sheltering for victims of sexual exploitation is provided by the State. A new law on combating trafficking was enacted in 2007, while a multidisciplinary group formulated a national plan of action, which is currently under revision. 35. The delegation reported that the visa issuing system has been revised so that “performing or creative artist” visas are issued on the basis of strict criteria. 6

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