Newsroom
The health ministry in the Republic of Cyprus has announced a new program aimed at vaccinating foreign persons of alien status, but details remained unclear regarding specific groups including undocumented individuals.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, the health ministry will start vaccinations on a walk-in basis for people who are not registered with GESY, the country’s state healthcare network, as well as those who are not beneficiaries such as asylum seekers.
The acting head of Nursing Services, Evagoras Tambouris, said this week on a local radio station that walk-in vaccinations ranged between 800 and 1200 daily, with the government ready to boost capacity as needed.
An announcement is expected later this week regarding walk-in vaccinations for asylum seekers or other resident aliens who cannot or are not eligible to register with GESY
But following media criticism last week that authorities did not have a clear plan and had not announced details for foreign nationals who are not registered with GESY, officials clarified that vaccinations were being arranged by appointment through non-governmental organizations.
Local media said an announcement was expected later this week regarding walk-in vaccinations for asylum seekers or other resident aliens who cannot or are not eligible to register with GESY.
The walk-in visits are expected to take place on Fridays.
Reports also said the announcement was expected to clarify eligibility for Turkish Cypriots living in the north.
Additional reports said walk-in vaccinations would require a person to show proof of identity, such as identification card, driver’s license, or passport.
It has not been clarified what immigration documents could be used for proof of identity or whether persons with invalid or expired visas could be eligible for walk-in vaccinations.
