Agreement to allow more Egyptians to work in Cyprus
Fact: The governments of Cyprus and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate Egyptian nationals wanting to work in Cyprus.
irregular migration
Dozens of migrants stranded in buffer zone
The Cyprus government has left migrants, including women, children, and unaccompanied minors, stranded in the UN buffer zone for close to a week. Initially, there were 13 migrants, but the number has now more than doubled to 27. The migrants are from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Cameroon, and have reported themselves as asylum seekers. The government’s denial of entry violates national, EU, and international law, according to UN sources. The migrants have been stuck in tents in the buffer zone, some requiring hospital treatment. The UNHCR is making representations to the government to abide by their obligations towards asylum seekers. The government has not commented on the matter, citing that the migrants are in the buffer zone.
EU unveils , €1 bln aid to Lebanon, but migration “must stop”
The European Union unveiled a €1 billion economic aid package for Lebanon in exchange for the country slowing migration flows, especially amid a sharp rise in Syrian refugees headed to Cyprus and Italy.
More than ten organised crime groups operating in Cyprus, Interpol says, pointing to rising period of criminality
A global investigation over the past four years points to Cyprus as a hub for criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, smuggling tobacco products, extortion, illegal betting, and fixing football matches. The report, based on Interpol data, highlights a rise in extreme criminality in Cyprus, with recent assassinations, arson attacks, bombings, and underworld killings. Criminal organizations in Cyprus are mostly foreign and involved in crimes against property, money laundering, drug trafficking, and bribing public officials. In 2024, there were 55 arsons and bomb attacks reported in 101 days.
Cyprus beefs up efforts to stop irregular migration, patrol off Lebanon
A Cypriot law enforcement vessel was spotted off the coast of Lebanon as part of efforts to prevent Syrian refugees from reaching the island on small boats. Nicosia has suspended processing asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals and wants EU partners to reconsider Syria’s status. The presence of the vessel has led to up to five boatloads of refugees being prevented from continuing their journey.
Cyprus returns over 3,000 migrants in four months
Cyprus has returned over 3,000 migrants in the first four months of 2024, which is almost a thousand more than all returns in the previous year.