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The pressures that Cyprus has been under in recent years with the increased flows of migrants/refugees were highlighted by Interior Minister Mr.
As Mr Ioannou noted, Cyprus is the EU Member State with the highest number of new applications for international protection in relation to the population.
Cyprus is the EU Member State with the highest number of new applications for international protection in relation to the population. The Minister said that the percentage of new asylum seekers and persons granted protection status in Cyprus reaches 5% of the population, while the EU average is 1.5%. The large increase in asylum applications, the Interior Minister said, causes consequent pressures on the infrastructure and the country's reception and hospitality system.
Despite the increased pressures, the Cypriot Minister continued, the effective and adequate management of refugee flows remains high on the Government's policy agenda. Cyprus, according to Ioannou, remains committed to implementing its commitments to provide support and assistance to refugees arriving in the country. He explained that the Republic of Cyprus has placed the upgrading of infrastructure high on its priorities and in this direction, it has proceeded with the improvement and expansion of existing reception and accommodation structures for migrants and the creation of new ones.
In relation to the need to promote actions for the integration of applicants for international protection, the Interior Minister referred to the new intercultural integration strategy that is currently being developed. For the elaboration of the strategy, the current situation in the country, the number of arrivals and the country's response capacities are taken into account.
With regard to the hosting of Ukrainians, the Cypriot Minister pointed out the education and training programmes offered, aimed at facilitating their access to the labour market and their smooth integration into the community. These programmes and measures, he said, are being implemented on a pilot basis for Ukrainians, with a view to extending them to all refugees in the future, thus contributing to their integration into the Cypriot economy and society. Ioannou stressed the need for closer cooperation between all parties involved in order to better address the refugee issue, as it is an issue with international dimensions that require coordinated action at global level.
(MKY)
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