Cyprus to begin talks with UNHCR on Buffer Zone migrants

Cyprus is preparing to begin discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to address the growing problem of migrants stranded in the buffer zone, the area separating the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island.

Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannides shared this development following a Thursday meeting with House President Annita Demetriou. He explained that while the government is currently assisting the migrants in the buffer zone, it is firmly against allowing more people to enter the area from Turkey.

Ioannides outlined the role of the newly established Deputy Ministry in managing Cyprus’s migration challenges. He also mentioned that the government is planning significant changes to the country's migration laws, which will soon be presented to Parliament. These changes aim to speed up the processing of asylum applications and make it easier to deport those who are not granted asylum.

House President Demetriou assured Ioannides that Parliament would prioritize the review and approval of these new measures, understanding the urgency of the migration issue. She also highlighted her efforts to strengthen cooperation with other countries facing similar challenges.

Demetriou discussed her recent initiative at a meeting in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, where she brought together leaders from Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Malta. The goal was to create a coordinated approach to managing migration in the southern European Union countries, which are often the first point of entry for migrants.

Ioannides and Demetriou agreed to maintain close communication as they work to address the ongoing migration challenges facing Cyprus. The upcoming talks with UNHCR are seen as a critical step in finding solutions for the migrants currently stranded in the buffer zone and improving the management of future migration flows.

[With info from CNA]