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The Reception and Accommodation Centre for Applicants for International Protection (KIFADP) in Kofinou was visited today by the President of Germany, Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Constantinos Ioannou. The German President, who visited the Centre as part of his two-day official visit to Cyprus, was given a tour of the Centre and was briefed by the Minister of Interior on the Government's policy on migration management. In addition, Mr Steinmeier had the opportunity to talk to residents and staff of the Centre, as well as members of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and volunteer groups active in the Kofinou CYFADP.
Showing the German President around the premises of the Centre, Mr Ioannou said that the KIFADP has been operating since 2004, has a capacity of approximately 600 people and accommodates asylum seekers for a period of up to 12 months or until the completion of the examination of their application. The Centre currently houses around 400 people, mainly families and single men and women. Some 80 children are currently staying at the Centre, attending public schools as part of their integration process, and are participating in social and other activities within the Centre, coordinated by NGOs and volunteer groups.
In parallel, the President of Germany was briefed by the Minister of the Interior on the upgrading and expansion work underway at the Centre. This is, he said, the second phase of the project following the completion of the first phase last July. The work includes the construction of additional residential units increasing the existing ones to a total of 100, a new medical centre, recreational facilities and other infrastructure. With the completion of the project in the first half of 2024, the capacity of the Centre is expected to reach 800 beds.
The Minister also referred to the work being carried out at the "Pournara" First Reception Centre, as well as the construction works for the creation of a Hospitality Centre for International Protection Applicants and a Pre-departure Centre in the "Lakes" area, with a capacity of approximately 1,000 and 800 persons, respectively. The projects are co-financed by the European Commission.
As the Minister of Interior explained, the improvement of the reception and accommodation infrastructure for asylum seekers is one of the four pillars of the Government's strategy for effective management of the migration issue. The projects are aimed at improving the living conditions of the residents and improving the management and efficiency of asylum procedures. In particular, the creation of a Pre-Removal Centre is a priority, since the lack of this space is an obstacle to the carrying out of systematic returns.
Finally, Mr Ioannou expressed Cyprus' thanks to the Government of Germany for its support with regard to the European resettlement mechanism. In particular, making full use of the EU relocation programme, a total of 1,804 migrants have been transferred from Cyprus to other Member States, of which 1.029 were relocated to Germany.
(MKυ)
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