Newsroom / CNA
A recent audit of the Department of Population and Immigration (DPI) has revealed significant delays in the processing of citizenship applications, particularly those based on marriage to a Cypriot citizen. The average wait time for these applications exceeds two years, while those based on residence surpass three years. The audit, which covers the period from January 2020 to July 2023, examined over 22,000 applications, of which 15,651 were granted citizenship based on birth or descent, and 1,176 through marriage or cohabitation with a Cypriot.
With 11,891 applications still pending as of November 2023, some dating back to 2007, the audit highlights that delays stem from the late initiation of processing and lack of communication with applicants during the waiting period. The DPI has also been criticized for not enforcing residency requirements strictly, as certain absences were overlooked despite legal guidelines. Additionally, there are no regular checks on citizens after naturalization, raising concerns about compliance with the law.
The audit also sheds light on issues across various immigration sectors, including the halted processing of permanent residence permits since 2019, and irregularities in student and domestic worker permits. It found failures in monitoring student finances, enforcing employment regulations, and tracking expired permits, contributing to illegal residence.
The report further reveals weaknesses in the handling of applications for humanitarian purposes and the lack of defined procedures in critical sections, increasing the potential for errors and misuse.
The Audit Office has urged the DPI to resolve these issues by ensuring timely processing, enforcing legal requirements, and enhancing internal control systems. It recommends that both the Ministry of Interior and the newly established Ministry of Migration take immediate action to address these deficiencies.
