Author
There are no schemes providing housing to BIPs. Therefore, those persons need to secure private accommodation on their own. This is often a difficult task, due to language barriers and financial constraints, related to unemployment, high rent prices, reluctance of landlords to rent premises to non-EU citizens and the extent of assorted allowances. In recent years and continuing in 2025, securing private accommodation remained difficult for refugees who have recently been granted protection, as well as refugees living in the community. Although instances of homelessness are much more frequent among asylum applicants, BIPs also face this risk and assistance and guidance are required in order to secure shelter. The risk is higher for BIPs that lack community support in the country and vulnerable persons.
The National Action Plan that will be implemented in 2026, foresees activities of assisting BIPs to navigate in the house market and identify housing options.[1]
BIPs have a right to apply for financial aid through the national Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) scheme, which may include a rent allowance. However, in order to apply for the rent allowance a property must already have been contracted. In addition, rent deposits are not covered through the GMI scheme and in most cases 1-2 months’ rent is required to secure a rental agreement. (see section: Social Welfare).
Regarding BIPs residing in the Reception Centre, once a resident of the Centre receives a positive decision on their asylum application granting them international protection, they are informed that they have two months to move out of Kofinou and into private accommodation in the community, which they must find themselves. However, if they are not able to move out within two months they will not be evicted and it is common for residents to take longer to exit. Until 2024, there was no procedure in place to accommodate the transition of persons into the community and as there are no centres or shelters available for Beneficiaries of International Protection it was common for BIP holders to take months or in some instances year(s) to be able to exit Kofinou. This was affected by difficulties in identifying employment while in the Centre; delayed examination of applications for financial assistance under the GMI scheme; high rent prices and lack of financial support for rent prior to a property being identified and contracted. and by the year to be able
From 2024 onwards, a procedure has been developed, in collaboration with UNHCR, to assist the transition of Beneficiaries of International Protection into the community, which has been effective and significantly reduced the time needed to move out of the Centre. The Centre’s staff provided integration services to the residents, through job and housing placements; support to submit a GMI application and facilitate prioritisation of the examination of the application. Furthermore, a procedure has been set up to assist all residents of the Centre to open a bank account which has reduced delays or other issues in relation to opening bank accounts. In addition, according to the National Action Plan that will be implemented in 2026, the presence of specialized personnel to link residents with employers, housing, and training opportunities, facilitating the transition in the community is foreseen. [2]
In 2024, the UN Economic and Social Council raised concerns about reports of a deficit of affordable homes and that migrants and refugees face a heightened risk of exploitative practices by landlords and homelessness. The Committee recommended that the State party take immediate measures to address the housing situation, including by prioritizing funding for the construction of new and affordable housing units, strengthen oversight and enforcement mechanisms to prevent exploitation by landlords and reduce the risk of homelessness, including for migrants and refugees.[3]
[1] Announcement Deputy Ministry of Immigration and International Protection, Public consultation on the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Integration of Immigrants, available here
[2] Announcement Deputy Ministry of Immigration and International Protection, Public consultation on the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Integration of Immigrants, available here.
[3] UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Cyprus, October 2024, available here.