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Statements by the Minister of Interior
The Action Plan for the intercultural integration and social inclusion of migrants for the period 2024-2026, which is currently being formulated, was presented today at a meeting chaired by the Minister of Interior Mr. The development of an integrated policy with a series of 50 actions in five sectors, which create conditions for the smooth integration of third country nationals legally residing in the Republic of Cyprus, is a key pillar of the Government's strategy for the management of migration and stems from the European and international obligations of our country. "In addition to the actions taken to prevent flows, increase returns and improve infrastructure, it is also about the smooth integration and inclusion of legal migrants in the economy and society of our country."
To achieve this goal, he continued, the Interior Ministry is proceeding with the elaboration of an Action Plan, with 50 actions in five separate areas. Specifically, the policies relate to housing, employment, improving skills, education and health. The actions will be coordinated with all relevant agencies and other Ministries involved, such as the Ministries of Labour and Education and the State Ministry of Social Welfare, will be subject to public consultation and the final document will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval within the first quarter of 2024.
"I want to stress that the issue of integration of migrants is very high on the priorities of the European Union and UNHCR. Hence, during my recent visit to Geneva, I had a meeting with UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Ms. Gillian Triggs, whom I briefed on our plan, because there was also a concern about this issue in terms of Cyprus' commitments and our actions. She expressed her satisfaction with the Government's actions regarding the integration of migrants into the society and economy of Cyprus," Ioannou said, adding that the issue will also be discussed during Commissioner Johansson's upcoming visit in early January.
Asked about the European Parliament's vote yesterday on the Pact on Immigration and Asylum and asked how it affects Cyprus, the Interior Minister said it was important that the agreement now recognises solidarity between states in handling the migration issue. As he explained, in times of crisis, as happened in 2015-2016, relocations will take place and assistance will be given by other countries. He pointed out that, through the recognition of mandatory solidarity, it is envisaged that frontline host countries, such as Cyprus, in cases where there are disproportionate numbers of migrants, will be able to relocate.
"The ideal scenario would be for these relocations to be mandatory. Unfortunately they are not, it is given to other Member States that, instead of accepting legal migrants to settle in their country, they can pay an amount set at €20,000 per person. We will have to see the mechanism exactly how it will work for about 100,000 people per year for all member states, how it will be shared between states, etc."
For Cyprus, the ideal would be to make relocation compulsory, because it is not a question of financial assistance, since we already receive financial support from the Union as a country. "For us, mandatory relocations would be essential," he reiterated.
Finally, Ioannou called the Pact a big step in the right direction and referred to the measures proposed in it, saying that some of them are already being implemented in Cyprus. Indicatively, he spoke about the provisions for an accelerated examination of asylum applications which is now completed within three months. There is still a lot to be done, but it is a huge step in the right direction, the Minister concluded.
(MKY)
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