The reaction of the Chief of Police for the immigrant
Illegal immigrants τις the Cypriot seas have been filled in recent days. More than 250 people (seeking a better life in the Republic of Cyprus) have been on the Cypriot coast for the last 24 hours. The foreigners who pay the traffickers huge sums of gold come mainly from Lebanon, which has been suffering for the last month.
They send them back
By political decision and following state agreements, the Republic of Cyprus sends the illegal immigrants to the countries from which they arrive in Cyprus. In this case, Lebanon accepts the re-importation of foreigners.
Coast Guard: "We expect more"
The Commander of the Port Police, Nikos Sophocleous, stressed that "at this time, the summer and the calm seas allow the import of illegal immigrants who offer 1500-2000 euros to traffickers. So we expect in the coming days if the good weather conditions and other foreigners are maintained." Mr. Sophocles stressed that "we are taking measures to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants from category C countries."
Mr. Sophocles was asked to comment on the allegations that on Friday the Police left families at sea with the result that minors were taken to Makarios Hospital with heatstroke. The Commander of the Coast Guard stressed that "we offer help to those who need help."
"Strict immigration policy"
Speaking to Offsite, Chief of Police Stelios Papatheodorou stressed that "as a Police we implement a strict immigration policy. The Leader also stressed that "we are trying to prevent illegal immigration, especially during the coronavirus period. The Chief was asked to comment on the allegations that were heard on Friday that the Police left minors at sea, but he did not comment saying that we accept "eternal war". Regarding the decision of the Republic of Cyprus to send illegal immigrants to the countries from which they arrive in Cyprus, the Leader said that it is done after an agreement between states.
Decisions were taken at an extraordinary meeting yesterday, Monday, September 07, 2020, at the Ministry of Justice, which was attended by the Ministers of Interior, Justice, Defense and Foreign Affairs, the Chief of General Staff and the Chief of Police and other involved services. In particular, the Government will send a service staff within 48 hours to Lebanon for consultation on immigration.
Source: Offsite