[PIO] The Ministries of Interior and Education, Sports and Youth have denounced "universities" in the occupied territories for fictitious students

The Republic of Cyprus has denounced "academic institutions" in the occupied territories to the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA). The Ministries of Interior and Education, Sports and Youth, in cooperation with the Agency for Assurance and Accreditation of Higher Education (ENQA), made a complaint against "universities" in the occupied territories, providing detailed information on 188 cases of third country nationals who arrived in the occupied territories on "student visas" and almost simultaneously went to the free areas, where they applied for asylum from the Republic of Cyprus.

By examining the testimonies and evidence obtained by the competent authorities of the Republic, it has been established that these are fictitious students. The finding that it is a recurring phenomenon indicates that it is done under instruction and possibly refers to trafficking in persons.

Following the complaints, ENQA, as the competent European body, has started investigating these "universities" and their connection with possible trafficking in persons.

The phenomenon of bogus students was one of the main factors contributing to the intense pressure on Cyprus, with massive arrivals, mainly of African nationals, through the Green Line. Finding that these persons were being exploited and instrumentalised by trafficking rings, the Government promoted, among other measures, the implementation of the provisions contained in the Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean, putting pressure on Turkey, in cooperation with the European Commission, Frontex and Europol. In addition, it carried out an online information campaign in Sub-Saharan African countries, setting out the realities of illegal immigration in Cyprus.

As a result of the measures taken, there was a 65% reduction in the number of arrivals across the ceasefire line, as well as a sharp decrease of 85% in the number of arrivals of African nationals. At the same time, the Government's policy has led to the decongestion of the reception and accommodation system, with the First Reception Centre currently hosting some 250 persons.

(MCI)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source

[/P]