Nayrouz News Agency :
To Whom It May Concern,
Esteemed Parties Interested in International Investment,
It is my duty to address you through this statement to shed light on a bitter investment experience we endured in the Republic of Cyprus—one that may serve as a cautionary tale for any foreign investor, particularly from the Arab world, considering investing their capital and efforts in this country.
In 2017, upon the advice of a trusted friend advocating investment in Cyprus’s agricultural sector, we were encouraged to establish an agricultural project in the Republic of Cyprus, given its reputation as a nation that supports foreign investment and offers an attractive investment climate, with assurances of respectful and dignified treatment for investors. Indeed, our company invested nearly one million euros to purchase over 20,000 square meters of agricultural land and fully develop it, including the construction of greenhouses of varying sizes (totaling 12,000 square meters in area), as well as integrated facilities such as a sheep-rearing unit, advanced irrigation systems, warehouses, and packaging and distribution centers.
Prior to this, we conducted an economic feasibility study that confirmed the project’s viability. We obtained the necessary residency permits and commenced actual agricultural production in early 2018, supplying our products to major global distribution chains such as *Lidl*, as well as central markets in the cities of Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia.
However, the shocking surprise came in 2024 when we received a sudden notice from the Cypriot Migration and Residency Department ordering the cancellation of the residency permits of the company’s managers (Mr. Hamza Al-Tabbaa and Mr. Ali Al-Tabbaa) and their immediate expulsion from the country. The justification provided was that the Ministry of Agriculture had allegedly sent a letter stating that we were not engaged in farming, thereby violating residency conditions. Strangely, all our attempts—including those of our company’s lawyer—to obtain a copy of this alleged letter were met with failure, under the pretext that it was an "internal matter"! Despite submitting irrefutable evidence (photos, videos, invoices) proving our consistent agricultural activity, this evidence was dismissed without consideration, with officials claiming they "did not have time" to review it!
This incident is but a glaring example of the unjust treatment foreign investors may face in Cyprus, where arbitrary decisions are made without prior notice, fair investigation, or even the opportunity to defend oneself or correct potential administrative errors.
Thus, we urge all Arab investors—particularly Jordanians—to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before investing in Cyprus. What happened to us could happen to others, especially in the absence of genuine safeguards to protect the rights of foreign investors.
We call upon the relevant authorities in Cyprus to review this decision and conduct a transparent investigation into this matter. We also demand the protection of foreign investors' rights and assurance of fair and just treatment to prevent damage to Cyprus’s reputation as a reliable investment destination.
Sincerely,
*Ezzat Tabbah & Sons Co.*
Hamza & Ali Al-Tabbaa
