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I would first like to congratulate the organizers for organizing today's conference and inviting me to be among you to present the policy of the Government of Nicos Christodoulides in relation to migration, as well as the modernization of procedures to facilitate land development.
1. Immigration policy and effectiveness of measures
Let me start with immigration, a complex issue that has been of great concern to the entire Cypriot society in recent days. It is a fact that migration is a phenomenon that has existed throughout the centuries and is here to stay. People's need for a safer and better life, turmoil and wars, geopolitical instability, as well as the climate crisis and other socio-economic factors, will always push them to choose migration.
In March 2023, when Nicos Christodoulides took over the governance of the State, Cyprus was under suffocating migratory pressure. The disproportionate number of new applications and arrivals for Cyprus in 2021 and 2022, as expected, made proper management of migration extremely difficult.
In order to deal more effectively with the migration issue, the Christodoulides Government adopted from the outset a new, holistic approach, which is based on four central pillars: the reduction of arrivals, the acceleration of asylum application procedures, the increase in the number of returns and the improvement of reception and accommodation infrastructures.
Restricting migration flows and reducing arrivals
First, we focused on taking measures to restrict migration flows. Having identified that the vast majority of irregular migrants arriving in our country were being exploited by smuggling rings promising them access to work and large amounts of benefits, we proceeded with a package of actions focused on limiting the economic benefits. Among other things, we moved to immediately cut off the benefits of all those whose application is finally rejected. At the same time, we increased the time lapse for the right to access to work after an asylum application is submitted from one to nine months, thus limiting access to economic resources beyond material reception conditions. In cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, we intensified controls in industrial sectors to combat illegal employment and interconnected the Asylum Service's system with that of the Ministry of Labour, so that the employer is informed of the asylum status of the potential employee before hiring.
In addition, we aimed to inform potential migrants about the actual situation in Cyprus through an online campaign in Sub-Saharan African countries.
At the same time, we focused on the fight against migrant smuggling networks by strengthening the exchange of information with neighbouring countries of origin and by creating a special unit in the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Police, with the exclusive responsibility of identifying and dismantling smuggling networks.
As a result of the above actions, the number of arrivals decreased by 37%, while the number of new asylum applications also dropped by almost 50%. There was a sharp drop of 85% in new asylum seekers from African countries in particular, which shows that the problem of mass arrivals from Africa has largely been eliminated.
Speeding up asylum examination procedures
To address the problem of delays in completing the examination of asylum applications, which averaged 12 months, we gradually increased and eventually more than doubled the number of asylum examiners, and now stand at 85 from 35 in March last year. Thanks to the increase in the number of examiners, we have been able to reduce the period for examining asylum applications to a maximum of three months, given that an average of 2 200 applications are examined per month. At the same time, it has been possible to process many of the pending cases.
The reduction of the processing period is an important pillar of our policy, as it now acts as a deterrent to anyone who would consider coming to Cyprus in order to abuse the system and secure long-term residence and employment.
Upgrading infrastructure
At the same time we invested in improving infrastructure. Improvement works have been completed at the Pournara First Reception Centre to convert it into a closed structure, thus limiting the exit and movement of migrants, while work is underway to upgrade and expand the Reception and Accommodation Centre for Applicants for International Protection in Kofinou.
However, most importantly, construction works have started for the creation of a Pre-Removal Centre in Mennogeia, with the capacity to accommodate around 800 persons. The establishment of a pre-removal centre, where persons whose application has been definitively rejected and who are under deportation can be detained, is a very important step towards achieving the objective of strengthening the deportation sector.
Strengthening the returns sector
Given the lack of a pre-removal centre at this stage, we have adopted targeted measures, which have led to an increase in removals. In particular, it was decided to target operations on the basis of Frontex's scheduled return flights, both in terms of timing and in relation to the available places and the countries of origin of the Agency's flights.
In addition, we have placed great emphasis on the voluntary return programme with a financial incentive ranging from €1,000 to €1,500, depending on the country of origin. In addition, in cooperation with our partners in the European Union, we made full use of the relocation programme to other Member States.
As a result of the above measures, we managed to increase the number of departures from Cyprus to a very large extent. Indicatively, for the whole of 2023 we had an increase in the total number of departures by 66% compared to 2022. The first months of 2024 recorded the same positive trend, attracting praise for our country from the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ms Johansson. Of great importance was also the statement of the Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr. Schinas, during his recent visit to our country, who described Cyprus as a champion in returns, also stating that with its targeted measures, Cyprus has succeeded in putting the bottom of the barrel, putting the management of migration on a more stable basis.
Having implemented specific measures, Cyprus ranks first in the European Union in terms of departures as a percentage of arrivals and fourth in absolute numbers of returns and deportations.
Social inclusion and integration
At the same time, we attach the necessary importance to the integration and social inclusion of migrants and for this reason we have proceeded to draw up a comprehensive policy, which includes 50 actions relating to housing, employment, skills improvement, education and health. The Action Plan for the Integration and Social Inclusion of Migrants 2024-2026 is now under public consultation, which will be completed within the month, so that its implementation can start within the year.
Reassessing the status of Syria
What remains as the biggest problem is the large number of arrivals of Syrian nationals arriving in our country via sea routes from Syria and especially Lebanon. In recent days, the entire Cypriot society is witnessing daily the continuous and massive migratory flows of Syrians departing from the Lebanese coast. Unfortunately, and this is something I would like to stress, in the case of the Syrians arriving, the tools we have at our disposal are very limited.
In particular, given that Syria is currently considered by the European Union as an unsafe country, all those of Syrian origin are considered refugees and upon submission of their application they are almost automatically granted subsidiary protection status. This fact paralyses the competent departments and does not allow for a substantive examination of applications, so that we can, where and where there is an exploitation of the system, proceed with returns, as is the case with applicants from African countries. As a result, arrivals are multiplying, since Cyprus' proximity to Lebanon makes it the number one attractive destination, where they can easily work and at the same time return to their country from time to time for various reasons of their own.
Moreover, because of the social reactions inside Lebanon, the authorities of the country could not accept boats with migrants leaving its shores, despite the understanding reached last summer for returns under certain conditions.
At the same time, it should be made clear that the sea is not a natural border that we can close with an artificial barrier to prevent the flows. Nor can we prevent vessels from entering our territorial waters, since, first and foremost, this is not our approach as a Government, nor is such a practice consistent with our obligations to the international community. Moreover, it has been observed that, fearing that their course of travel will be interrupted when they are approached by the Port Police, they attempt to sink the boats or throw persons overboard, turning the operation into a search and rescue operation.
Analyzing the factors that cause the mass arrivals of Syrians, we identify the most serious cause in the organized trafficking rings that exploit the need of these people for protection and safety, preying on human lives. This is an organised crime of enormous dimensions that requires immediate action and combating.
At the same time, developments in Lebanon have limited the ability of the country's authorities to respond satisfactorily in terms of surveillance of its coasts. For several months now, in our interventions to the European Commission, we have been sounding the alarm that a possible collapse of Lebanon would lead to massive flows of Syrian migrants to the European Union.
The situation became worse after 7 October last year. Political developments inside Lebanon, the instability created in the region by the visible possibility of a generalisation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the suffocating pressures faced by the country due to the large number of Syrian refugees on its territory - estimated at more than 2 million - are pushing Syrian nationals in Lebanon to leave, while not allowing for adequate policing and supervision by the Lebanese authorities.
As the Republic of Cyprus, we have long warned of the need to strengthen European support for Lebanon, applying similar practices as in the case of Turkey and in the context of the institutionalization of an agreement between the European Union and Lebanon, in a similar manner to that which was done with Tunisia and Egypt. We welcome the Commission's intention, as expressed by its Vice-President during his recent visit to our country, to start the process leading to the signing of an agreement.
At the same time, however, we must bear in mind that reaching an agreement takes time, which, under the circumstances, works against our strengths and capacities. That is why, as Cyprus, we are pushing both the European Union and Lebanon for the European Union to increase the financial assistance that Lebanon receives, provided that it is coupled with an increase in Lebanon's operational capacity to exercise more effective surveillance on its coastline, so as to intercept the departure of vessels. At the same time, Frontex and Europol should be used to contribute both to the surveillance of the Lebanese coastline and to the effort to dismantle the smuggling rings.
In this context, during yesterday's contacts between a Cypriot delegation led by the President of the Republic and Lebanese officials, it was acknowledged by both sides that the migration issue is a common problem and that it must be tackled jointly. The Lebanese leadership committed to intensify surveillance efforts to identify illegal trafficking rings. It was also agreed that there should be coordination between Cyprus, Lebanon and the European Commission, as well as actions between Lebanon and the European Union.
At the same time, the Cyprus Government has been promoting an initiative since last summer to discuss and reassess the status of Syria, based on the realities prevailing in the country at the moment and following the assessment made by the European Asylum Agency, according to which areas of Syria are considered safe. A possible conclusion at European level on the designation of specific areas in the country as safe, in an initial pilot phase, would make it possible to promote the return of Syrian nationals to these areas, under strict conditions that would ensure their protection, significantly reducing the exploitation currently observed.
Our initiative is already supported by several of our partners in the Union, who recognise the need to define a new procedure for the management of Syrians by the Member States. I leave tomorrow for contacts with my counterparts in Denmark, the Czech Republic and Greece to strengthen our initiative and discuss practical ways to start the discussion at European Commission level on the review of the situation in Syria.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to reiterate that migration is here to stay. It is primarily a social phenomenon, with humanitarian aspects. A prolonged, complex and volatile crisis. The example of our country is clear proof that migration is not an issue that is confined to the interior of a country. The external dimension is, unfortunately, the one that periodically determines developments. The proximity of Cyprus to regions experiencing long-term political crises and military conflicts leaves no room for complacency.
2. Developments in the field of land development
Dear Friends,
Next, I would like to briefly refer to the Government's planning to achieve urban and spatial planning modernization, especially in view of the reform of local government and the transfer of licensing to the Provincial Authorities. Through a series of actions aimed at simplifying procedures and reducing delays and bureaucracy, we seek to serve citizens more efficiently.
Initially, the significant increase in the number of applications, which created additional pressure on staff, who remained the same, resulted in long delays. In order to process as many applications as possible and not to burden the Provincial Self-Government Agencies with weights, following a study we have carried out, we have proceeded to recruit 87 people, trained and assigned to the existing planning and building authorities, with plans to transfer to the new Agencies as of July 1.
In addition, we have adopted a package of measures to radically change the planning and zoning process, with the ultimate aim of simplifying and speeding up procedures and, ultimately, facilitating development. By way of example, I would like to mention the package of 22 measures, which reorganises the entire authorisation procedure and introduces a more flexible framework in order to reduce the time taken to examine applications. With a completion date of 1 July, 11 of the 22 actions have so far been completed, while 10 others are at an advanced stage of processing.
With measures such as securing an external demarcation certificate in advance, processing the necessary commitments, obtaining planning permission for land plots, and drawing up a common and uniform manual for all permitting authorities, the training of the staff and members of the ETEK and the digitalisation of the application procedures through the "IUPODAMOS" system, we are attempting to reduce time-consuming bureaucratic procedures and put an end to long delays.
In addition, legislation to abolish the obligation to obtain planning and building permits for small developments is at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed within the year. At the same time, we are introducing the institution of the Building Inspector and placing greater emphasis on on-site inspection of building development, while upgrading the role of Architects and Civil Engineers, to whom the responsibility for the correctness of the completeness of the design is now transferred.
In parallel with the changes in the planning licensing process, radical reforms in the process of issuing property titles have been initiated and are being implemented. Specifically, as of January 2, 2024, the new property title issuance process was implemented, with the introduction of new practices regarding applications for horizontal and vertical parcel divisions to create new titles for land plots and other units. In order to apply for a subdivision, prior exterior zoning and land survey work is required to achieve a quicker assessment and ensure that development is implemented within the actual boundaries of a parcel.
In addition, the institution of a private competent land surveyor has been introduced, thus offering flexibility to citizens, who can now address themselves to a land surveyor of their choice and carry out the construction work according to their own schedules, without the need for the land survey work to be carried out by the Department of Cadastre and Land Surveying.
In addition to eliminating unnecessary inconvenience to citizens in their efforts to be served, the changes adopted or promoted ensure a substantial reduction in the overall time to complete the application and issue titles to an average of three months.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Finally, let me refer to another of the priorities of the Nicos Christodoulides Government, that of the new integrated housing policy, which aims to gradually increase the housing stock and offer affordable housing options to citizens in need. With a people-centred orientation, the integrated housing policy creates solutions for socio-economically vulnerable citizens who are unable to meet their housing needs.
Since December, two of the housing policy actions have been implemented, namely the Built to Rent scheme and the revised urban incentives. Through the innovative for our country "Built to Rent" Plan, an additional free building factor of up to 45% of the current one is granted, with an obligation to concession all additional units to be produced at affordable rent for a period of at least six years. Combined with tax incentives and reliefs provided in the Plan, a strong incentive is given to land developers to boost the market with an additional 800 residential units within the next three years.
In addition, we have undertaken a review of planning incentives to increase the production and delivery of new housing units. The incentives provide for an additional building factor of up to 45% of the current building factor, with an obligation to sell 25% of the additional units produced for affordable housing purposes at average construction cost, and 20% for the owner's benefit at open market prices. Alternatively, construction professionals who take advantage of the planning incentives will be able to do so by paying a sum of money, as a buyout, for use for affordable housing production purposes. The buy-out will be at a price determined by the Department of Cadastre and Land Surveying increased by 50% of the value of the General Valuation of the building factor.
Friends,
The construction sector is the engine for growth, with a substantial contribution to entrepreneurship and, by extension, to the entrepreneurship of Cyprus. As a Government, we recognise that for our policies to be successful, partnership and cooperation with the business community is an essential ingredient. This is why conferences like today's give us the opportunity to listen to your needs and suggestions and, with adaptability, to further upgrade our actions, for the benefit of the business world and economic operators, as well as citizens.
I would like to assure you that the Government will continue with the same political will and determination to do its utmost to manage the migration issue as effectively as possible. At the same time, our intention is to break the entrenched and time-consuming practices that have been an obstacle to progress, in order to operate in a modern environment with prospects for growth.
Thank you for your attention.
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For the presentation click here.
(MKY)
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