The amendment of the law on Turkish Cypriot properties is being presented to the Cabinet today.
The proposed changes aim to enhance transparency and integrity in the processes of their allocation, equality among refugees, as well as a fairer distribution among the refugee population based on objective and measurable criteria.
The amendment of the law is expected to bring about radical changes in the management of Turkish Cypriot properties.
The explanatory memorandum accompanying the draft law records various modifications to the existing legislation, so as to:
(a) Allow the allocation of Turkish Cypriot property to non-refugees, typically after publication, in cases where these properties remain unallocated due to a lack of interest from Greek Cypriot refugees.
(b) Determine the allocation of Turkish Cypriot property through competitive bidding, in cases where there is interest from more than one refugee for the same property.
(c) Provide that the lease agreement of Turkish Cypriot property allocated to a refugee for housing needs and held at the time of death is considered part of their estate and subject to inheritance, subject to certain conditions.
(d) Grant, under conditions, the right to refugee holders of Turkish Cypriot property allocated for housing needs to transfer the lease agreement to another refugee.
