1. ΜΟΝΑΔΑ ΤΑΜΕΙΩΝ ΑΛΛΗΛΕΓΓΥΗΣ
Establishment of a multi-level transnational Network among various countries for voluntary Return Issues
Cyprus Migration Case
Nicosia 8 June 2015
The Voluntary Return Network is managed by the University of Nicosia and the Independent, non-governmental, non-profit centre CARDET. The project “Establishment of Multilateral Network of Various Countries for Return Issues”, (Action 2, European Return Fund, Annual Program 2013) is co-funded by the European Return Fund (95%) and the Republic of Cyprus (5%)
ΕΥΡΩΠΑΙΚΗ ΕΝΩΣΗ
ΜΟΝΑΔΑ ΤΑΜΕΙΩΝ ΑΛΛΗΛΕΓΓΥΗΣ
2015

2. Areas in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control
Occupied areas
Areas controlled by the Rep. of Cyprus Government

3. Cyprus Demographics* Total Population: 885.600 (0.2% of EU)
in the Republic of Cyprus
Ethnic Composition of the Population
Greek Cypriots Orthodox Christians: 74,3%
Turkish Cypriots: 10%
Armenians: 0,7%
Maronites: 0,4%
Latins: 0,1%
* (CyStat 2011) 3

4. However, fears that local will loose their jobs were proved false.
Migration in Cyprus
Cyprus, the last 20 years, has been transformed from a emigrant country to an immigrant one.
The massive entrance of migrant workers resulted to a raise of negative reflections towards them (at least at the beginning)
However, fears that local will loose their jobs were proved false.
The most of them are legal and have significant contributed to the country’s financial and social development.
2015

5. Migration Statistical Details
Regional analysis of the percentage of non Cypriots
Region
Nationality
Total
Cypriot
Other Fx %
Nicosia
100
81,1
61.535
18,9
Famagousta
46.452
37.016
79,7
9.436
20,3
Larnaca
79,6
29.264
20,4
Limasol
79,4
48.520
20,6
Paphos
57.474
65,1
30.792
34,9
78.6
21,4
REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS, STATISTICAL SERVICE, (Τελευταία Ενημέρωση 29/12/2011)
2015

6. Migration Statistical Details
immigrants are living in Cyprus
are Third Country Nationals
Country of Origin Fx %
% of the total TCN population
Philippines
9.744
14,52
5,4
Russia
8.663
12,91
4,8
Shri Lanka
7.350
10,95
4,1
Vietnam
7.102
10,58
4,0
Syria
3.235
4,82
1,8
Ukraine
3.023
4,50
1,7
India
2.955
4,40
1,6
Georgia
2.113
3,15
1,2
Others
22.938
34,17
12,8
Total
67.123
100
37,4
REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS, STATISTICAL SERVICE, (Τελευταία Ενημέρωση 29/12/2011)
2015

7. Third Country Nationals Ways of Entrance
2015

8. Asylum Service Statistics

9. International Protection

10. Main Route followed by Illegal Immigrants in order to enter Cyprus via Turkey
September 2013

11. Illegal entry by air via the illegal facilities of the so called “Ercan Airport”
Turkey
2009
1068
2010
623
2011
419
2012
308
2013
(July)
127
2010 2

12. Illegal Entry by Sea from Turkey to the occupied areas of Cyprus
2009
2,713
2010
1,232
Mersina
2011
892
2012
957
2013
July
444
2009 10
2010
2011 1
2012 19
2013
(July) 2

13. Stakeholders and Profiles
Cyprus Government
Bureaucratic
Copy EU Directives (Limited adaptation to the local needs)
Recent draft of National Migration Policy
Vague understanding of integration processes
Funding of projects
Recent initiatives EU
Directives
Funding
Supranational decision making
Distant 13

14. Stakeholders and Profiles
NGOs – Civil Society
Escalating experience on migration issues
European Networks
Grass roots activities
Limited influence towards government
Trade Unions
Active participation in decision making
Limited representation of migration issues
Local Authorities
Involvement in projects
Local initiatives
Limited participation in decision making
Closer collaboration with NGOs
Migrants’ Unions
Absent
Indirect participation through NGOs 14

15. Applicant’s rights during the examination Procedure
Receives the service of an interpreter free of charge
Can be assisted by a lawyer or a legal advisor during the procedure
Communicate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Communicate with organisations dealing with international protection issues

16. Applicant’s Rights
Written confirmation for the application of International Protection (CONFIRMATION LETTER)
Free movement and residence. The issuance of a separate residence permit as required for other categories of third country nationals is not necessary. (A recent amendment of the Refugee Laws prohibits the movement and residence of applicants in the occupied areas).
Access to education (minors)
Access to the labour market (6 months after the submission of the application with the condition that he/she will receive the relevant approval from the Labour Office)
Health care

17. Working Sectors for Applicants (based on the decision of the Minister of Labour dated 02/10/2008)
A/A
Economic Activity
Profession 1
Agriculture – Livestock - Fisheries
Workers 2
Transmutation
Workers for producing animal food 3
Waste Management
Workers for sewerage and wastewater treatment
Workers for the collection and treatment of waste and garbage
Workers for recycling
Workers for rendering 4
Trade - Repairs
Workers for gas stations and car wash
Wholesale porters 5
Other Activities
Workers for cleaning buildings and outdoor areas, distribution of promotional materials / information, fast food delivery

18. Unaccompanied Minors (UAMs)
The Social Welfare Services is the legal guardian and representative during the examination procedure
Be placed:
with adult relatives;
with a foster-family;
in accommodation centers with special provisions for minors;
in other accommodation suitable for minors.

19. Unaccompanied Minors (UAMs)
UAMs are not placed in reception centres (however the Welfare Office can provide approval for their accommodation in reception centres for UAMs above the age of 16 if specific conditions apply)
The personal interviews for UAMs are conducted from case workers that received specialised training and with the presence of their representatives.
The law provides for a medical examination to ascertain the age of the UAM.
Detention of UAMs is not permitted.

20. Reception Centres
Currently there is one Reception Centre in Cyprus, the Kofinou Reception Centre which has been operating since From March 2011 until April 2013 two more Reception Centres (Pafos and Larnaca with total capacity 140) were operating under an ERF co-funded project:
Kofinou Reception Centre (Larnaca District) has the
capacity to host up to 400 (approx.) applicants
Proper living conditions and material reception conditions
are guaranteed at any time and family life is respected.
Asylum Seekers are free to enter and exit the Centre, given that they follow the internal regulations.
The day-to-day management of the Centre has been delegated by the Minister of Interior to the Kofinou Council of Community Volunteerism

21. Refugees Rights
Receive same treatment that is provided to the citizens of the Republic, pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations, with respect to:
Benefits for the most favourable treatment.
Welfare Allowance.
Social Insurance.
Protection of intellectual property.
Free access to Cyprus courts.
Free movement and residence by the Republic’s controlled areas. No right to move and reside at the occupied areas.
Basic education.
Employment or self-employment.
UAMs full access to all levels of education
Free health care
Participation to educational programmes for adults