annual policy report 2011 - european commission · 2017-01-04 · annual policy report 2011 the...

ANNUAL POLICY REPORT 2011

The Cyprus Contact Point of the European Migration Network (EMN) is

financially supported by the European Union and the Cyprus Ministry of

Interior.

CYPRUS

Executive Summary The Ministry of the Interior is the coordinator of the CY EMN NCP, which is

composed of the Civil Registry and Migration Department and the Asylum Service, as

well as, the Immigration Police Department of the Ministry of Justice.

This report provides an overview of the most important changes regarding

legislative, institutional and practical aspects in the area of migration and asylum and

it covers the reference period from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011.

In 2011, no major changes were made influencing migration and asylum policies in

Cyprus. It is, however, worth mentioning, that, due to the deteriorating situation in

Syria no forced returns of Syrian nationals took place in 2011 and 2012. Also, no

forced returns of Palestinians from Gaza took place during the reporting period.

During 2011 many public debates took place with regards to the subsistence

allowance provided to asylum seekers and refugees, since there is an argument that

these allowances are excessive.

In April 2011 two Reception Centres for Asylum Seekers were established in Larnaka

and in Limassol, in addition to the one already operating in Kofinou area.

The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus adopted in October 2010 the

National Action Plan 2010 - 2012 that was prepared by the Special Experts’

Committee on integration of immigrants who are legally residing in Cyprus.

Furthermore, in October 2011 the Council of Ministers agreed to comprise a

respective Advisory Committee assigned with the authority to monitor and assess

the National Action Plan and in general manage all relevant with integration of

immigrants’ issues

During the reporting period, the Ministerial Committee for the Employment of Third

Country Nationals decided to suspend the employment of citizens of Vietnam

(February 2011), Ethiopia and Myanmar (September 2011) as domestic workers,

since they were deemed as vulnerable to exploitation. In 25/11/2011 the new

amendment of Aliens and Immigration Law (159(I)/2011) regarding the common

standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-

country nationals in accordance with the Council Directive 2008/115/EC, was

published in the Cyprus Government Gazette.

The number of Asylum Seekers in Cyprus in 2011 was 1770, a 40% drop compared to

2010. The top 5 countries of origin were Vietnam, Egypt, Syria, Bangladesh and

Pakistan. In December 2011 the Asylum Service successfully reduced its pending

cases to 1203 persons comparing to 2390 persons in 2010.

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Methodology

This report has been produced in collaboration with the Civil Registry and Migration

Department, the Asylum Service and the Immigration Police Department of the

Government of Cyprus.

1.2 Terms and Definitions

Terminology and definitions used in this report correspond to the EMN Glossary.

2. GENERAL STRUCTURE OF POLITICAL AND LEGAL SYSTEM IN CYPRUS 2.1 General Structure of the legal system The legal system in the area of migration in Cyprus consists of the Aliens and

Immigration Law and the relevant Regulations, the Decisions of the Council of

Ministers, the Decisions of the Ministerial Committee for the Employment of 3rd

Country Nationals, and the Decisions of the Minister of the Interior. The current Law

derives from art. 32 of the Cyprus Constitution and it followed the independence of

the Republic in 1960. In 1972, Regulations were issued for the better interpretation

and implementation of the Law. Major policy decisions are taken from the Council

of Ministers, which exercises executive power together with the President. One of

the most important decisions of the Council of Ministers was the establishment of

the Ministerial Committee for the Employment of 3rd Country Nationals and the

delegation to this Committee to decide on migration issues and refer back to the

Council for matters of major importance. All decisions of the Council of Ministers

are binding and must be in accordance to the Legislation.

The Committee for the employment of third-country nationals is chaired by the

Minister of the Interior. The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, the Minister of

Justice and Public Order and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism participate

as members. Other Ministers and the Attorney General are invited to the meetings

of the Committee when necessary. The Committee is responsible for policy making

on the employment of aliens and for evaluating, reviewing and reforming policies

which are in force. According to the Aliens and Immigration Law, the Minister of

Interior is the Chief Immigration Officer, meaning that he is in the highest rank. The

decisions of the Minister concerning policy issues must always be in line with the

relevant legislation, while certain competencies have been delegated by the Minister

to the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

The Asylum Service is the competent authority to examine asylum applications at

first instance. In case an asylum claim is rejected by the Asylum Service, the applicant

has the right to appeal against this decision, before the Independent Refugee

Reviewing Authority (RRA). The decisions are based on the Refugee Laws (2000-

2009) and the Regulations of 2005 establishing reception conditions for Asylum

Seekers. Interviews at first level are conducted by administrative officers, who

forward their reports/suggestions to the Director of the Asylum Service who takes

the final decision. Examination of appeals is again conducted by administrative

officers of the Refugee Reviewing Authority who forward their reports to the

President of the RRA. The President takes the final decision with regards to the

appeal submitted against the decision of the Asylum Service.

3. GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS RELEVANT TO ASYLUM AND MIGRATION 3.1 General political developments The Ministry of Interior has continued the procedures for promoting the

establishment of an Office of the International Organisation for Migration in Cyprus.

The draft Agreement between IOM and the Republic of Cyprus was finalized during

the negotiation that took place between the two parties on the 29th November 2011

in Nicosia. The signature of the Agreement is expected to take place in 2012. The

conclusion of the agreement and the establishment of the IOM Office in Cyprus are

expected to contribute significantly, amongst others, in the field of voluntary return.

3.2 Main policy and/or legislative debates During 2011 many public debates took place with regards to the subsistence


these allowances are excessive. These debates were extended to the general

governmental migration policy. The Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance is in the

process of considering a draft Bill for the amendment of the Public Allowances and

Services Law. The purpose of this amendment is to establish criteria that will adhere

to the criteria and the parameters set forth in the relevant Directive and also to

minimize the possibilities of exploitation of the procedure observed in previous years

3.3 Broader Developments in asylum and migration

Asylum

A significant development which took place in April 2011 was the establishment of

two Reception Centres for Asylum Seekers (in addition to the one in Kofinou area),

the one in Larnaka and the other one in Limassol. Each Reception Centre has a

capacity of 70 persons and asylum seekers are entitled to a monthly allowance, free

three daily meals and free psychological support.

Migration

The Civil Registry and Migration Department has launched within 2011 its official

website which provides information to the public, applications, documents, contact

details, etc.

3.4 Institutional developments

No institutional developments took place during the reporting period

4. LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND INTEGRATION The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus adopted in October 2010 the

National Action Plan 2010 - 2012 that has been prepared by the Special Experts

Committee on Integration of immigrants who are legally residing in Cyprus. The

preparation of the National Action Plan has been based on the following basic

principles: to be a practical and a user-friendly tool that will address the issue

comprehensively with its specific actions and not an extensive theoretical document;

to be of a specific duration; to be assessed periodically in regular intervals; to include

specific and realistic priority pillars; to include specific and implementable actions for

each priority pillars; to include the financing sources of the actions and to include

time tables for the implementation of the actions.

The National Action Plan consists of 8 Priority Pillars with specific objectives and

specific actions for their implementation, as well as time tables, competent services

of implementation and funding sources of the actions. The 8 Priority Pillars are: 1st

Priority Pillar: “Information – Service – Transparency” 2nd Priority Pillar:

“Employment, Training, Trade Unions” 3rd Priority Pillar: “Education and Language

Learning” 4th Priority Pillar: “Health” 5th Priority Pillar: “Housing – Improvement of

quality of life, social protection and interaction” 6th Priority Pillar: “Culture, Civics,

basic elements of political and social reality” 7th Priority Pillar: “Participation” 8th

Priority Pillar: “Assessment – Annual and Total” The National Action Plan is intended

to third-country nationals legally residing in our country, including recognised

refugees, individuals under international protection status and partially to asylum

seekers.

4.1 Economic migration 4.1.1 Specific context The residence / work permits issued to third country nationals are mostly of a

temporary nature, based on the relevant Ministerial Committee´s Decision to set a

limit of maximum 4 years residence in the Republic. Furthermore, the majority of

third country nationals in Cyprus are low skilled or unskilled workers, mainly

domestic workers and workers in agriculture and husbandry. In certain cases, such as

third country nationals employed by companies of international interests exceptions

in relation to the maximum period of stay, to the requirement of prior approval by

the Department of Labour and to the prerequisites for family reunification are

endorsed accordingly.

4.1.2 Developments within the national perspective During the year under review the status of the labour market deteriorated resulting

in a significant rise in unemployment. In view of the above, the issuing of approvals

to employers for the employment of third country nationals has been strictly

restricted to those sectors or occupations for which obvious labour market needs

could not be met by Cypriots or EU nationals. Furthermore it is noted that during the

reporting period, the Ministerial Committee for the Employment of Third Country

Nationals decided to suspend the employment of citizens of Vietnam (February

2011), Ethiopia and Myanmar (September 2011) as domestic workers, since they

were deemed as vulnerable to exploitation.

4.1.3 Developments from the EU perspective The Ministry of Interior has prepared a bill transposing Council Directive 2009/50/EC

of 25th May 2009 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals

for the purposes of highly qualified employment. The bill has been submitted to the

House of Representatives for approval, in December 2011.

4.2 Family Reunification

4.2.1 Specific context

All foreigners employed in the Republic, have the right to family reunification,

resulting from the Directive 2003/86/EC of 22 September 2003, concerning the right

to family reunification. The Directive has been transposed into national legislation

with the Aliens and Immigration (Amendment) Law 2007 [N.8 (I)/2007].

The Directive and, thus, the relevant legislation, recognizes that family reunification

is necessary in order to enable the family relationship. Moreover, it sets the

conditions under which the third country nationals, legally residing in Member

States, can exercise their right to family reunification. Basic condition for exercising

the right of family reunification is (a) holding a residence permit for at least 1 year,

(b) the continuous and legal residence in the Republic for at least two years, and (c) a

reasonable prospect of obtaining permanent right of residence. Further, it is

required by third country nationals to have health insurance and stable and regular

resources, sufficient to maintain themselves and their family members, without any

requirements from the welfare of the Republic. T

he Directive ensures that family reunification can be used for at least the spouse and

the minor children, establishes criteria and conditions for exercising the right to

family reunification, sets a system of rules regarding the examination of the

applications, the entry and residence of family members in the Member States and

the revocation of the permit for family reunification. Furthermore, the legislation

promotes the integration of family members in the Member States and gives them

the right to access to education, employment and vocational training.

4.2.2 Developments within the national perspective

No developments took place during the reporting period.

4.2.3 Developments from the EU perspective

Cyprus has examined the Green Paper on Family Reunification, published by the

Commission, and forwarded its contribution to the Commission, regarding the

questions set in the Green Paper.

Family Reunification Statistics

Description 2010 2011

Applications Submitted 768 1618

Residence Permits Issued 692 1650

4.3 Other legal migration

4.3.1 Specific context / Statistics

Long Term Residents – Applications & Residence Permits




Migration Permits




Workers


Applications for entry permit submitted 5025 3299

Applications submitted for temporary residence

permit

16364 9070

Entry permits issued 4334 3262

Temporary residence permits issued 10066 8938

International Companies


Applications submitted 2126 1898

Applications approved 2135 1887

Domestic Workers




permit

16873 16305


Temporary residence permits issued 15973 17000

Students




permit

8584 6921



No developments took place in the reporting period


No developments took place in the reporting period

4.4 Integration


In October 2011 the Council of Ministers has agreed to comprise a respective

Advisory Committee assigned with the authority to monitor and assess the National

Action Plan and in general manage all relevant with integration of immigrants’

issues.


In October 2011 the Council of Ministers has appointed an Advisory Committee

vested with the duty to monitor and assess the implementation of the National

Action Plan on Integration of third-country nationals. As members of the committee

were appointed the ministries of Interior, Labour and Social Insurances, Education

and Culture and Health, the trade unions, the office of the Ombudsman, the Cyprus

Unions of Municipalities and of Communities, along with three NGOs.

4.4.3 Developments from EU perspective

The appointment from the Council of Ministers In October 2011 of an Advisory

Committee vested with the duty to monitor and assess the implementation of the

National Action Plan on Integration of third-country nationals is in accordance with

the Stockholm Program’s provision on integration.

4.5 Citizenship and Naturalisation 4.5.1 Specific context The Civil Registry Law [L.141(I)/2002-2011] stipulates that Cypriots by birth are

persons born either in Cyprus or abroad and one of their parents (either mother or

father) is a Cypriot citizen. According to the said Law a non – citizen residing in

Cyprus has the right to apply for the acquisition of the Cypriot citizenship through

Naturalization provided that he/she is an adult (i.e. has completed the 18th year of

age), has accumulated seven (7) years of legal residence in Cyprus of which 12

months prior to the application date should be continuous residence in Cyprus, is of

good character (i.e. has clear criminal record) and demonstrates intention to reside

permanently in Cyprus if the citizenship is granted to him/her. The application for

Naturalization is examined by the Minister of Interior, who decides upon rejection or

approval. If the applicant is unsatisfied by the decision, he/she has the right to

appeal before the Supreme Court. Furthermore, according to article 110(2) of the

aforementioned law a non-citizen spouse/widow of a Cypriot citizen has the right to

apply for the acquisition of the Cypriot citizenship through Registration provided that

he/she is of good character (i.e. has clear criminal record), has resided in Cyprus with

the Cypriot spouse for no less than three years (depending on the specific

circumstances of each case, the Minister may accept the application for couples who

reside in Cyprus for two years, but not less than two) and has not entered or resided

in Cyprus illegally. Regarding persons who reside permanently or temporarily

abroad, the non-citizen spouse has to have lived with the citizen-spouse for no less

than three years.


No Developments took place during the reporting period.

4.5.3 Developments from EU perspective

No Developments took place during the reporting period. 5. IRREGULAR IMMIGRATION AND RETURN 5.1 Irregular Immigration 5.1.1 Specific context The Minister of Interior examines requests for regularization of illegally staying third-

country nationals, on a case-by-case basis. For this purpose, residence permits valid

for a limited period, usually one year, are issued mainly for humanitarian reasons.

5.1.2 Developments within the national perspective In cases where deportation orders cannot be executed, mostly due to lack of

cooperation on behalf of the detainee for the issuance of travel documents, the

Republic is implementing the Law transposing Directive 2008/115/EC (the Law came

into force in November 2011). Thus, in principle, if deportations cannot be executed

within six months, irregular migrants are set free and given a special residence and

employment permit for a set period of time and under certain conditions.

5.1.3 Developments from the EU perspective It was already mentioned that on 25/11/2011 the new amendment law of Aliens and

Immigration Law (159(I)/2011) regarding the common standards and procedures in

Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals in accordance

with the Council Directive 2008/115/EC was published in the Cyprus Government

Gazette.

5.2 Return


Within the overall efforts to address illegal immigration, the Republic of Cyprus

promotes the conclusion of bilateral readmission agreements and protocols with

countries of origin and transit of illegal migrants. Although there is still room for

improvement, efforts are made towards the full utilisation of these agreements and

protocols. Furthermore, the conclusion of bilateral Protocols implementing the

Readmission Agreements signed by the EU and third countries are promoted. In

order for the Agreements signed by the EU to have added value, their full

implementation by both Parties must be ensured. Furthermore, the EU should

promote the conclusion of Readmission Agreements with specific third countries

that are reluctant to negotiate such agreements on a bilateral level, especially with

small member states that have a limited negotiating capacity.


Due to the deteriorating situation in Syria no forced returns of Syrian nationals took

place in 2011. Also, no forced returns of Palestinians from Gaza took place during the

reporting period.


Cyprus Police has decided to host an operation in cooperation with Frontex Agency.

Within this framework Frontex is supporting the operation with the deployment of

experts coming from other Member States for the identification of false/falsified

documents, the screening of migrants in order to identify their country of origin so

their return will be achieved. Furthermore experts from other E.U. Member States

have been seconded to Cyprus with the coordination of Frontex and trained Cyprus

Immigration Officers on issues such as the identification of false/falsified documents

and evidence collection in order to achieve the return of migrants. Cyprus Police has

also launched a training program where Cyprus Immigration Officers were trained by

experts coming from I.O.M., Malta, Greece and Frontex regarding voluntary returns,

debriefing and screening of illegal migrants in order to support the expulsion of

illegal migrants to their countries of origin. Meanwhile, Cyprus Police has also

launched the procedures of a Joint Return Flight to a third country in Asia. The

return flight will be co-financed by the national budget of the Republic of Cyprus

and the Return Fund of the Solidarity Funds. The flight is planned to take place in

May 2012 and other Member States will be invited to participate.

5.3 Actions against human trafficking 5.3.1 Specific context In 2007 the anti-trafficking Law has been adopted which is fully harmonized with the

EU acquis communautaire and is in accordance with international conventions. This

legislation covers the offenses of trafficking in persons, trafficking in children,

trafficking in human organs, sexual exploitation of persons and sexual exploitation of

children. Moreover, the Law foresees, inter alia, a reporting mechanism for victims

and safeguards the rights of victims, such as health care, benefits, employment, and

access to educational programs. The aforementioned Law provides for the

establishment of the Multidisciplinary Co-ordinating Group for Trafficking in Persons

(MCG), chaired by the Minister of Interior, who is the National Coordinator. The

purpose of this Group is to identify the actual dimensions of the problem and

formulate concrete actions and propose solutions. The Group brings together all the

relevant government agencies and two NGOs. Within this Group, working groups

have been established to study specific issues, such as prevention, protection, etc

and submit recommendations to the plenary. The MCG adopted the new Action

Plan 2010-2012 which sets an overall framework to address trafficking in human

beings within the context of Cypriot reality. At present, a number of actions have

been implemented while others are on-going.


The most important actions during 2011 are the following: Leaflets in different

languages (English, Greek, Arabic, Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Spanish) have been

issued and sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for disposal through the consular

authorities, the Civil Registry and Migration Department and the Aliens and

Immigration Unit of the Police. The leaflets include information on the phenomenon

of trafficking in persons, the legislative framework, basic information on trafficking,

ways to protect oneself, contact details government services and NGOs, etc.

Moreover, the Police have released an instructional booklet on trafficking in Persons,

which is distributed to the public and is available in the various campaigns. In August

2011, the Police issued three (3) different kinds of posters, four (4) different kinds of

cards and a leaflet to inform and sensitize the public about human trafficking, which

are available to the public and distributed in various campaigns. The above

mentioned posters and the cards are part of the Blue Blindfold campaign initiated by

the UKHTC.

Two seminars have been organized in collaboration with the US Embassy in Cyprus.

They took place on the 13-14.10.2011. The first seminar was addressed to Police

Officers and Prosecutors. The second one was addressed to Judges. On the 21st of

October 2011, the Multidisciplinary Group and the European Committee in Cyprus

organized an event the purpose of which was to inform and sensitize the media on

trafficking in human beings. During this event the Head of the Office of Combating

Trafficking in Human Beings of the Cyprus Police delivered a speech, where emphasis

was given on the current situation of trafficking in Cyprus. At the same event a

representative of the NGO Mediterranean Institute for Gender Studies delivered a

speech on the role of Media in combating women’s trafficking for the purpose of

sexual exploitation. The subject of THB has been incorporated in several courses of

the Police Academy training program. During 2011, 80 police officers in service

received training, inter alia, on the subjects of identifying and assisting victims

and/or investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases. Also, police officers

are trained on THB aspects in other specialized courses offered either by the Police

Academy or other stakeholders in Cyprus and abroad. Within the framework of

international cooperation government Officers working on THB participated in

workshops organised specifically for the countries of South Eastern Europe. On the

8th and 9th of November 2011 the Ministry of Interior and ICMPD co-organised in

Nicosia a Transnational Workshop to Enhance Transnational Cooperation on

Trafficking Cases in South-Eastern Europe (TRM-II).

A competition with prize for the preparation of posters and a logo for the

Multidisciplinary Coordinating Group for combating trafficking in human beings to be

used in campaigns, in cooperation with Universities / Colleges/ schools is on-going.

The winning logo will become the official logo of the Multidisciplinary Coordinating

Group. An amending bill has been approved by the House of Representatives in

order to increase the number of NGOs participating in the Multidisciplinary

Coordinating Group. This new Law came into force on the 9th of March 2012.


Cyprus is in the process of transposing the new EU directive 2011/36/EU on

preventing and combating THB and protecting victims and further revise the national

legislation in order to tackle possible shortcomings.

Within the framework of the Presidency of the Council by Cyprus in the second half

of 2012 and on the occasion of the 6th European day against trafficking in human

beings, the Ministry of Interior is planning to organise on the 18th of October 2012 in

Brussels an EU conference on the issue of trafficking in human beings.

6. BORDER CONTROL 6.1 Control and surveillance at external boarders 6.1 Specific context

Cyprus has continued its efforts to strengthen the effective management of external

borders through participation in FRONTEX joint operations, training of border guards

and immigration officers and by upgrading its technical infrastructure.

Cyprus Police is participating in operational activities initiated and coordinated by

Frontex for land, sea and air borders.


Border guards are trained on issues regarding the profiling of passengers in order to

concentrate on cases where a passenger possessing an EU Document is concerned to

be high risk case.

Furthermore training is given to border guards on false / falsified travel document

issues. Through these two targets the flow of passengers at Cyprus Airports is

facilitated and security is also improved.

6.1.3 Developments from the EU perspective No Developments took place during the reporting period. 6.2 Cooperation with respect to border control 6.2.1 Specific context The Republic of Cyprus continues with the implementation of its programme for the

upgrade of existing Visa Information System (VIS) stations as well as for the roll-out

of VIS to its entire network of consular posts worldwide and at all national entry/exit

points, in accordance with the relevant Regulation. For the time being the VIS has

been upgraded in some Diplomatic Missions such as Damascus, Doha, Beirut and has

been installed in some other Consular Posts such as Amman, Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi.

When completed (approximately end of 2013), this project will allow the issuance of

biometric visas at all consular posts of the Republic abroad.

The Republic of Cyprus has signed a single Visa Representation Agreement to date,

with Greece, regarding territory of Saudi Arabia. However, this has not entered into

force yet, pending the agreement of modalities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is

currently processing the recruitment procedure of the consulate officer.

6.2.2 Developments within the national perspective No developments took place during the reporting period. 6.2.3 Developments from the EU perspective

Cyprus Police is supporting Frontex activities through the participation in several

operations, pilot projects and programs.

In the framework of the training of border guards several programs have taken place

where through the cooperation with Greece, Malta, IOM and Frontex, experts have

given lectures on issues such as the problem of illegal migration in the area and

measures taken to combat this phenomenon.

7. INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION, INCLUDING ASYLUM

7.1 Specific context

The new world order has undoubtedly introduced a new international political

environment. One of its basic characteristics is the mass movement of populations in

search for a better future, new opportunities in life and security. Basic principle of

the Republic of Cyprus, is granting protection to those who really need it, ensuring

that no person will return to a country where (s)he will face persecution.

The Government of Cyprus determines refugee status according to the Refugee Laws

of 2000-2009, which were amended in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009,

according to the European acquis.

Asylum Seekers in Cyprus, have the right of employment, six months after the

submission of their asylum application, in specific sectors of the economy:

1. Farming – Agriculture – Fishery: Workers at the sectors of agriculture, farming

(animal husbandry) and fishery

2. Manufacturing: Animal food production

3. Waste management: Workers at the sectors of sewage system and waste

processing, of collection and processing of waste (garbage), at the sectors of

recycling and processing of animal waste and abbatoir by-products.

4. Trade and Repairs: Workers at gas stations and car-wash, porters of wholesale

trade

5. Other activities: Cleaning of buildings and outside areas, distributors of advertising

or informative material, food delivery.

During the first six months of the submission of their asylum application, asylum

seekers have access to subsistence allowance, as well as the right to be

accommodated in Reception Centers for asylum seekers. Asylum seekers have the

right to be accommodated in Reception Centers until the examination of their

asylum application is completed.

Holders of subsidiary protection status, have the right of employment in specific

sectors of the economy for the first 12 months from the date they were granted this

status. After the first year, they have access to all sectors of the economy.

Recognised refugees have full access to employment. All three categories have

access to subsistence allowance.

Cyprus, as the rest of the Mediterranean countries, has been experiencing various

challenges with regards to the increase of migration flows to the area, as a result of

the instability in North Africa and the Middle East in general. Cyprus has

systematically experienced pressures emanating from significant arrivals of asylum

seekers. For this reason, the further promotion of practical cooperation in the field

of asylum towards a better and more efficient application of a Common European

Asylum System is a main priority for Cyprus.

7.2 Developments within the national perspective

During 2011 many public debates took place with regards to the subsistence


these allowances are excessive. These debates were extended to the general

governmental migration policy. The Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance is in the

process of considering a draft Bill for the amendment of the Public Allowances and

Services Law. The purpose of this amendment is to establish criteria that will adhere

to the criteria and the parameters set forth in the relevant Directive and also to

minimize the possibilities of exploitation of the procedure observed in previous

years.

An action launched in March 2011, within the framework of the European Refugee

Fund, concerning the provision of accommodation and other related services to

asylum seekers in two accommodation units in main cities. The main rational was

that low budget hotels would be a suitable solution for this project, because they can

offer other services to inhabitants in addition to accommodation, like meals and

cleaning service. Moreover, it was expected that the asylum seekers would be living

in a big city and would have better access to goods and services. It involves a pilot 2

year period project, within the framework of the European Refugee Fund 2009, 2010

and 2011, receiving 75% co-funding from the ERF and 25% from National Funds.

More specifically, following a tender procedure that was launched on 5/11/2010,

two Reception and Accommodation Centers started operating in two main cities,

Larnaca and Paphos.

7.3 Developments from the EU perspective

During 2011, the Council of the EU continued its efforts towards the adoption of a

Common European Asylum System. The completion and enforcement of the CEAS

should be accompanied by the practical application of principle of solidarity and

burden sharing between the member states. Based on this, Cyprus continues to

support an intra-community relocation of beneficiaries of international protection

on the basis of measured criteria, such as the numbers of asylum applications in

relation to each Member State’s population.

The Asylum Service actively participates in the negotiations for the CEAS through the

participation of national experts at the meetings of the EU Council for the Directives

of Reception and Procedures (recast) and the Regulations of Dublin and Eurodac.

8. UNACCOMPANIED MINORS AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS 8.1 Specific context


The Refugee Law is fully harmonized with the relevant European Union Directive

according to the representative of minors before the Administration and during the

asylum examination process; specifically the Law provides that the Commissioner for

Children’s Rights takes action as soon as possible, in person or through an officer at

her Office as representative or assistant of the unaccompanied minor during the

examination of the application of the said minor.

8.3 Developments from the EU perspective

No developments took place during the reporting period. 9. GLOBAL APPROACH TO MIGRATION 9.1 Specific context

Egypt 11%

Bangladesh 11%

India 8%

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

4%

Nepal 6%

Pakistan 9%

Philippines 5%

Sri Lanka 7%

Syrian Arab Republic

12%

Viet Nam 13%

Other 14%

Top 10 countries of Origin of Asylum Seekers in Cyprus 2011


In 2011 Cyprus continued its efforts to develop migration and development-

programs in the framework of international cooperation by actively supporting and

participating in international fora aimed at cooperation with third countries. During

2011, Cyprus has participated in the 2nd Ministerial Conference of the Prague

Process “Building Migration Partnerships in action”, organized by the Polish

Presidency which took place in Poznan in November 2011, in the Third Euro-African

Ministerial Conference on migration and development which took place in Dakar in

November 2011 and in the EU – Western Balkans Ministerial Forum which took place

in Ohrid in October 2011. Progress has also been achieved in the area of cooperation

with countries of origin of THB victims, mainly through the participation in projects

co-organised with other international actors such as the ICMPD

9.3 Developments from the EU perspective No developments took place during the reporting period. 10. IMPLEMENTATION OF EU LEGISLATION 10.1 Transposition of EU legislation 2011 No developments with regards to this matter during the reporting period.

annual policy report 2011 - european commission · 2017-01-04 · annual policy report 2011 the...

Documents