Migration and asylum in the Republic of Cyprus in the context of the 2000 Refugee Act

Abstract

Following the division of Cyprus in 1974 into the Republic of Cyprus, predominantly inhabited by individuals of Greek origin, and the northern part of Cyprus, dominated by individuals of Turkish origin, the Republic of Cyprus admitted approximately 200,000 refugees from the northern (Turkish) part of Cyprus. These newcomers fulfilled the Republic of Cyprus’s labor force requirements, leading to the implementation of a restrictive immigration policy from external sources. The economic development of the Republic of Cyprus at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, coupled with the resulting demand for new workers, coincided with an increase in immigration from various directions. The relaxation of work and residence permit regulations triggered a surge in immigration, encompassing residents of Caucasian republics and Black Sea coastal areas of the former USSR, including those with the right to seek citizenship as descendants of the Greek diaspora from these regions. Additionally, immigrants from conflict-ridden states in the Middle East and the Balkan Peninsula, as well as economic migrants from populated territories such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Philippines, were drawn to Cyprus. The primary motivations for this diverse community of immigrants, in terms of nationality, culture, and religion, were the desire for better-paying jobs and the aspiration to escape areas of armed, ethnic, and political conflicts. The immigrants were not only interested in obtaining employment and residence permits but also, prospectively, refugee status, and subsequently (or alternatively) asylum rights. The peak of asylum applications occurred in 2007, with 6,790 applications submitted. As a European Union member state, the Republic of Cyprus was compelled to align its immigration and asylum policies with EU standards. Asylum seekers initially obtained legal protection by being granted refugee status. The authorities did not confine asylum seekers to refugee camps and permitted them to work to sustain themselves. Law No. 6 of 2000 regulated the status of refugees in the Republic of Cyprus (subsequently amended multiple times). The Cypriot Asylum Service was also obligated to inform immigrants in a language they understood about the conditions for applying for residence, employment, refugee status, and obtaining asylum. Criteria justifying the awarding of refugee status and obtaining asylum were circumstances likely to occur in the applicant’s country of origin (previous residence), including: a) threat to life or personal freedom, b) risk of serious persecution, c) threat of torture, inhumane or degrading treatment.