An agreement, which includes standard procedures on returns, was signed today for the first time between Cyprus and the European Commission, while the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding is expected soon, which will include an Action Plan for more effective migration management.
The Minister of Interior of Cyprus, Nikos Nouris, met at noon with the if. Director General of Immigration and Home Affairs, Beate Gminder, at the Ministry of Interior, in Nicosia, with whom they discussed, among other things, the current situation in relation to migration flows, issues of return of third-country nationals to their countries of origin, EU funding issues, while the Agreement with Standard Procedures for Returns was also signed.
After the meeting, the minister made statements to journalists.
After welcoming Ms. Gminder, she thanked her for her visit, “a fact that clearly shows the European Commission (EU) assistance to the problem that Cyprus is facing with the increasing migratory flows”.
He said that “the interior ministry is making every possible effort to effectively manage immigration pressures through a structured program.”
“For last year alone, in 2021, despite the fact that 13,235 new asylum applications have been submitted, with 85% of which coming through the occupied ones, through the green line, we have nevertheless managed to manage and process 16,000 applications, “which proves the effectiveness of the asylum system that we have built and of course to serve almost 13,000 rejection asylum applications”, said Mr. Nouris.
“2022 did not start with good omen on the issue of immigration. The numbers are overwhelming: 1,335 new asylum seekers have applied in the Republic of Cyprus and are almost twice as many as we had in the corresponding month 2 years ago, in 2020.” he said.
He noted that the nature of the new flows is worrying, as the element of sub-Saharan Africa is now predominant, with the Congo first, and explained that they are “all coming from Turkey, either through Istanbul Airport or through the southern coasts of Turkey. , which reach the occupied areas, and pass through various points of the green line in the areas controlled by the Republic “.
In the light of all this, the Minister noted, “during our meeting with the Director General, we discussed the issue of returns of third-country nationals to their countries of origin, which are a key priority for us this year, together and at the same time with the management of the green line “.
He said that today they have discussed and finalized clear and standardized return procedures, in which the EU and Frontex are involved. “We have reached an agreement which we have co-signed,” he added.
He noted that the request of the Republic of Cyprus for the provision of financial assistance required for the new Pre-Departure Center to be built in the area “Limnes” in Menogeia, at the same time with the upgrade of the existing Center, which, as he said, has operated a few months ago.
He said that alternative ways were discussed in which the Republic will be able to receive additional financial assistance for the expenses of the new Center, as well as the problems presented by the overpopulation that lives in the Pournara Center, as a result of the very large flows.
The Minister said that Cyprus and the EU are in the process of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding, which includes the actions that need to be taken, so that we can have a more effective management of immigration.
In closing, the Minister thanked Ms. Gminder for the fact that in practice the EU shows with its presence its support for the problems facing Cyprus and added that it is a Member State that has proportionally the largest number of inflows of illegal immigrants.
He noted that the EU support is evident from the fact that in the coming days a series of visits will follow and informed that the head of Frontex Mr. Leggeri will come to Cyprus soon, as well as the EU Vice President, Margaritis Schoinas, who will also met with the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
“So the EU is here. We thank it very much. We thank all those who support our effort and we look forward to the most effective support so that we can manage this very serious issue that our country is facing today,” he said.
The if. The Director General of Immigration and Home Affairs, in her statements, said that indeed Cyprus is under a lot of pressure due to the arrivals of asylum seekers and immigrants. The EU must and will help Cyprus meet this challenge, Ms Gminder said, adding that Cyprus has set up a very effective system to tackle these arrivals. He said that in recent months, the focus has been on reaching an agreement on returns, expressing satisfaction that the standard procedures for joint return operations between the EU, Frontex and the Republic of Cyprus have been approved today.
He noted that the need to increase reception opportunities in Cyprus is obvious and said that the EU will support Cyprus in this area. He informed that a Memorandum of Understanding is being prepared, which will include an Action Plan.
He also said that the information effort will continue to prevent the departure of migrants from the countries of origin, who, as he said, are misinformed by traffickers.
Asked by a journalist why the EU does not react in the same way to the promotion of migrants to Cyprus from Turkey, as is the case in Belarus, and whether the EU is taking action, Ms. Gminder said that in Belarus Efforts have been made to prevent departures, while a draft law is being drafted that would criminalize airlines that are actively involved in migrant trafficking. This is an issue that is being discussed with the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers and is likely to be a tool that will be available in the future. He added that the EU President and the Commissioner for Immigration are in close contact with Turkey and discussions are underway.
For his part, the minister said that Turkey is the root cause of the problem of channeling illegal immigrants to the Republic. He said that the issue has been raised at the level of the President of the Republic to the EU and that the effort will continue in order for the EU to claim from Turkey the implementation of the agreements for the Republic of Cyprus, as with the other Member States.
Source: AMPE
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
