More than 2000 students have signed up to return to their universities in Greece, but it remains uncertain when they will be able to do so.
The issue was discussed yesterday by Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou and representatives of Pofen, the Pancyprian Federation of Student Unions.
An Education Ministry announcement said that a total of 2183 students have expressed an interest to return to Greece on special charter flights to continue their studies.
The Education and Transport Ministries have contacted airlines to carry out these flights. But for the time being, visitor arrivals to Greece are not permitted. Once the situation changes, flights will be organised, the ministry said.
Students will then be notified to contact the airline to arrange for a seat. Priority will go to students who must participate in labs. The cost of the ticket will be covered by the students.
Currently, anyone arriving in Greece undergoes a coronavirus test. If the result is positive they remain in quarantine at a hotel and if negative they must self-isolate at home for 14 days.
This quarantine procedure is currently only being carried out at Athens airport.
The Education Ministry said it was in contact with the Greek authorities. The minister has asked his counterpart to help secure the earliest possible return of the Cypriot students and for efforts to be made for the universities to show understanding regarding the special circumstances this year of the Cypriot students.
