From June 2 to August 31, the authorities will accept applications for inclusion in the voluntary repatriation plan for families in Syria, and the necessary condition is that those interested withdraw their asylum applications or revoke the international protection status that were submitted before December 31, 2024. The plan also concerns couples without children and prisoners are excluded from it.
The details of the plan were presented at a press conference on Thursday by Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannides, who stressed that the Cypriot authorities are in full coordination with the European Commission, which will be kept informed of the implementation of the plan.
Mr. Ioannidis stated that after the collapse of the Assad regime, Syria is going through a critical transitional period and the formation of a transitional government constitutes a first but important step towards the political stabilization of the country and the beginning of its reconstruction process.
He recalled that the European Union has already announced a financial aid package and has lifted part of the sanctions imposed on Syria.
"The reconstruction of Syria is not limited to the restoration of damaged infrastructure. Of particular importance is the return of millions of displaced Syrians from various countries, who can contribute decisively to restarting the economy and rebuilding the social fabric," he said.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that approximately two and a half thousand Syrian citizens have already withdrawn their asylum applications or revoked their protection status and approximately 2.400 have returned to Syria from Cyprus, utilizing the assisted voluntary return program.
According to Mr. Ioannidis, from the continuous contacts of the competent departments of the Deputy Ministry with Syrian asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection, it was found that several of them wish to repatriate and contribute to the reconstruction of their country, but are facing financial difficulties, adding that based on these needs and the needs of the Cypriot economy in terms of workforce, this specific plan was formulated.
The plan, he said, "is also part of the government's strategy to combat the phenomenon of irregular immigration."
"As part of the plan, the spouse will be granted a special residence and work permit for two years, with the possibility of renewal for another year under certain conditions. The rest of the family that will depart will benefit from increased financial incentives with the support of the European Union, namely 2.000 euros for the spouse who will return from 1.500 euros which is currently the case, and 1.000 euros for each child who returns instead of 750 euros which is currently given," explained the Deputy Minister.
It is clarified that for Syrian families who wish to return together, the same rules as are currently in effect will apply, meaning that the entire family will be included in the assisted, voluntary return program.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the right to submit an application for the special residence permit will be granted after the rest of the family leaves the Republic and after all the required checks and examination of the request have been completed, a relevant residence and employment permit will then be issued.
"This new voluntary return plan is a targeted, humane and realistic policy that enhances the smooth transition to Syria. With this plan, the Republic of Cyprus provides the opportunity for those who wish to return to their homeland with dignity and with the supplies they need. At the same time, the plan also addresses concerns regarding the lack of labor force in Cyprus," he said.
Responding to a question, the Deputy Minister stated that the competent European Commissioner has been informed and even mentioned that this plan could serve as a model for other European countries.
In another question about a recent incident with irregular migrants from Syria and criticisms of pushbacks, the Deputy Minister again denied that pushbacks had taken place and that it was a search and rescue operation, based on a 2009 agreement with Syria.
He explained that in its area of responsibility, "the Republic of Cyprus has the obligation, either to coordinate search and rescue operations and if we have the means to conduct the operation ourselves, or to carry out the operations with the Republic's naval and aerial assets."
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the first concern was the saving of human lives, emphasizing that in such cases the rescuing state is not obliged to disembark them on its territory, but wherever there is a safe harbor.
Regarding smugglers and the fight against illegal immigration, the Deputy Minister stated that the issue is handled by the Police but also touches the Deputy Ministry horizontally because the Government must combat these networks of smugglers who operate cross-border.
Mr. Ioannides stated that this issue requires transnational cooperation and the Republic of Cyprus is trying at the European level to highlight it as a serious issue that does not only concern Cyprus and our region, but is pan-European and global.
Source: KYPE
