third country nationals

Greek Cypriot arrested in north in fake passport case

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Greek Cypriot arrested in north in fake passport case

A Greek Cypriot man appeared in court in the north for his part in a case involving third country nationals allegedly traveling to and from the north using fake passports. The police understood upon receiving the passport that it was counterfeit. The passenger ran off and re-entered the north via a military base. The Greek Cypriot man claimed he was approached at a petrol station and offered money to take the passenger to the Republic. The police found the hire car used in the incident in Trikomo and arrested both brothers who were in the car.

Clinics , ‘may suspend operations’ due to nurse shortage

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Clinics , ‘may suspend operations’ due to nurse shortage

Cyprus is facing a nursing shortage of between 450 and 500 nurses, which is impacting the operations of clinics and hospitals. The shortage is expected to increase as nurses retire. To address this issue, the employers’ and industrialists’ federation (Oev) is suggesting hiring nurses from third countries and utilizing third country nationals who study nursing in Cyprus. Private hospitals are already struggling to find staff to hire, and there are concerns about lowering the number of hours required to train nurses in Cyprus, which could impact patient safety.

Doctors warn of illegal hair transplants in north

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Doctors warn of illegal hair transplants in north

Turkish Cypriot doctors warned of unlicensed individuals performing hair transplants in the north. One person posing as a doctor escaped from a police raid and is currently on the loose. The doctors called on the north’s ‘health ministry’ to carry out more effective and adequate inspections on medical premises.

Our View: Heavy-handed police hotel raid is overkill

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Our View: Heavy-handed police hotel raid is overkill

Fact: More than two dozen police officers raided a hotel in Paphos to check for workers employed illegally, causing concern among hotel guests and raising questions about the government’s approach to tackling illegal work in Cyprus.

Demystifying MEU applications in Cyprus

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Demystifying MEU applications in Cyprus

EU citizens have the right of residence in Cyprus for the first three months without any additional requirements. If they decide to stay longer, they must show that they are employed, self-employed, or have sufficient resources and medical insurance. Family members of EU citizens are also entitled to freedom of movement in Cyprus, with specific registration procedures. After five years of legal residence, EU citizens can apply for Permanent Residence Certification, which provides additional benefits and rights.

Three men charged and released over Astromeritis clash

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Three men charged and released over Astromeritis clash

Fact: Three individuals were charged and released by police after altercations involving a large crowd in Astromeritis.

Ioannou hails Cyprus, ’ migrant returns policy

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Ioannou hails Cyprus, ’ migrant returns policy

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou extolled the virtues of Cyprus’ migrant returns policy during an inter-ministerial meeting attended by the European Union’s 27 member states’ ministers responsible for asylum and migration in Ghent. Cyprus has seen a 66% increase in the number of irregular migrants returned to their countries of origin in 2023 compared to the previous year. Cyprus has the highest number of migrant returns per head of any EU member state. The EU pact on migration and asylum, set to be fully implemented in June 2026, includes provisions for managing surges in migrant flows and screening third country nationals entering the EU. Ioannou hopes for mandatory relocation of asylum seekers between member states.

Our View: Labour minister shows a clear bias in his decisions

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Our View: Labour minister shows a clear bias in his decisions

The government has decided to institutionalize direct dialogue with the business community, allowing for collaboration and sharing of plans. President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of businesses in economic development and announced the formation of an advisory tripartite committee to address labor market needs. However, the Labour Minister has shown bias towards unions in labor disputes, potentially hindering business development.

Nicosia: Protest over Anisur’s death – “We are asylum seekers, not criminals”

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Nicosia: Protest over Anisur’s death – “We are asylum seekers, not criminals”

Around 300 people marched in Nicosia against racism and police violence, following the death of Anisur Rahman. The protesters demanded an end to police repression, respectful treatment of immigrants, equal access to healthcare, an end to dehumanization of asylum seekers, and a stop to deportations.

Cyprus concern in event of Iranian attack

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Cyprus concern in event of Iranian attack

Fact: Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos expressed concern about a possible Iranian attack on Israel and the consequences it would have for Cyprus.