The government has implemented various measures across different fronts to manage the migration flows that continue to arrive in Cyprus at an unprecedented rate.
Efforts towards Lebanon to address the departure of boats from its shores have been ongoing.
However, despite these efforts, multiple boats continue to depart, leading to uncertainty about what follows next.
The measures currently in place are aimed at managing migration rather than preventing or intercepting new arrivals.
When compared to the acceptance rates of other European Union countries, Cyprus was initially prepared to host between 1,500-2,000 Syrians.
However, the current number has exceeded 30,000, making their management challenging.
The government is exploring various responses to this unexpected situation.
Consequently, they are pressing the EU to encourage Lebanon to take appropriate action and are also enhancing checks for illegal employment.
Instructions have been given to the police and labour ministry inspectors to increase checks for illegal employment.
As clarified by the Ministry of Interior:
- All asylum seekers, regardless of their origin, are not granted access to employment in any sector until nine months have passed from the date of their asylum application submission.
- The waiting period for employment rights has been extended from one to nine months since last October. Hence, employing any asylum seeker, including Syrians, before this period is considered illegal.
- Employing asylum seekers in violation of the above decision may result in an administrative fine or imprisonment. According to the Foreigners and Immigration law, this could also lead to the permanent revocation of employment rights for third-country nationals by the employer.
It is worth noting that the Asylum Service System is interconnected with the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance System.
This ensures that potential employers are aware of the asylum status of potential employees before hiring. In collaboration with the Labour Department, instructions have been given to intensify checks conducted in workplaces in recent months.
Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou commented on the recent arrivals of Syrian refugees, highlighting the challenges faced by Cyprus due to the increased migration flows.
He emphasised the need for greater economic support from the European Union for Lebanon.
Additionally, he suggested re-evaluating Syria’s status and linking the aid provided to Lebanon with the country’s ability to intercept boats destined for Cyprus.
He stressed that Cyprus seeks practical solidarity from other EU member states rather than financial assistance.
The U.N. human rights office stated earlier this year that based on evidence it has gathered, Syrian refugees who fled the ongoing Syrian civil war are facing gross human rights violations such as torture and abduction on their return to Syria, while women are subject to sexual harassment and violence.
