Minister advocates stricter asylum criteria for Syrians

Minister of the Interior Konstantinos Ioannou is set to have bilateral contacts in Denmark, the Czech Republic and Greece on the 10th, 11th and 12th of April, respectively, to discuss an initiative by the Republic of Cyprus to re-evaluate the status of certain areas in Syria and designate them as safe zones "on the basis of current reality."

According to an official press release, at the Minister’s meetings it is expected, among others, to consider practical ways to start with the examination in substance of asylum applications of Syrian nationals, given that at the moment persons of Syrian origin are almost automatically granted subsidiary protection status in any country.

As noted, Ioannou will convey the position that it is time for strict criteria to be established, which will allow states to reject asylum applications from Syrians who meet certain characteristics.

In particular, the Interior Minister departs tomorrow for Denmark, where he will meet the country's Minister of Immigration and Integration Kaare Dybvad Bek, as well as high-ranking officials from the Immigration Service and the Refugee Appeals Board.

On Thursday, April 11, the Minister of the Interior will travel to the Czech Republic, where he will meet with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Vít Rakušan.

Finally, on Friday, April 12, Ioannou will be in Athens, where he will hold a meeting with Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Dimitris Kairides