Action plan to manage migrant crisis on the island

The cabinet approved on Tuesday an action plan for a complete management of the increasing influx of migrants on the island.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris said the decisions were taken following the dramatic increase in illegal immigration to Cyprus and the spiralling numbers of asylum seekers, especially the last week since the Evros migrant crisis started.

Nouris said that the number of migrants today is more than 33 thousand and is 3.8% of the total population of the Republic of Cyprus. The effective management of the migration issue is of major importance for the Republic of Cyprus, the minister underlined.

The minister said that according to the Action Plan, the Council of Ministers decided to shorten the time for examining asylum applications by doubling from next month the number of asylum examiners from 32 to 69. This will reduce the deadline for the right to appeal. A list of safe countries will also be drawn up to sift out unfounded applications. If the country of origin is included in the list of safe countries, the application will be described as unfounded and examination will be done by rapid procedure within 10 days.

The Cabinet also decided to promote accelerated extradition procedures for unfounded.

He also said that current legislation will be amended to put an end to fake marriages and introduce stricter sentences to those who violate the law.

At the same time, the Interior Minister said the Cabinet decided to introduce stricter criteria for foreign student admissions to private colleges in an effort to stop the fake students’ phenomenon on the island.

Among other measures decided is to set up the soonest, state-run organized accommodation, diversification of the subsidy policy, the creation of a new Closed Center, with a capacity of 600 persons. Asylum seekers will be able to stay at the centre until their applications are examined.

The detention center in Menogia will be reopened while together with local authorities, checks will be carried out to locate illegal immigrants.

He also said that he received the authority from the Cabinet to intensify contacts with FRONTEX , to strengthen co-operation on returning migrants and restricting the flow of irregular migrants both ashore and at sea. Aciton plan to manage migrant crisis on the island.