Bill to see fairer handling of Turkish Cypriot property
The cabinet has proposed a bill to amend the allocation and management of Turkish Cypriot properties, aiming to modernize the state’s handling of these matters. The new approach seeks to make procedures clearer, more equal, meritocratic, and protective of refugee interests by considering the socio-economic situation and family composition of applicants, using clear, objective, and measurable indicators. This will limit the discretion of the guardian of Turkish Cypriot properties, a role currently held by the interior minister, due to past abuses and exploitation. The changes include counting any privately-owned property by applicants or their family in the Republic or occupied areas, considering real housing needs, setting a ceiling on agricultural land allocation to prevent over-accumulation, and considering applicant income from professional activity in commercial real estate allocation. The process of improving the management of Turkish Cypriot assets began in August 2023, with the audit of lease contracts for 3,211 properties, finding violations in 416 contracts. Measures to recover these properties have been promoted.