No differences in treatment, based on asylum seekers’ nationality, are generally observed. However, recently in Pournara First Reception Centre, and upon the introduction of initial measures to tackle the COVID-19 spread, as well as the recent announcement on taking more stringent measures by the Minister of Interior regarding migration flows, it was observed that persons coming from African countries were either not allowed or faced sudden restrictions in exiting the Centre. That was in contrast to Syrian families who were able to exit the Centre more easily. Throughout 2020 and 2021, this trend continued, primarily due to the Syrians’ closer relations with friends and relatives in the community, which enabled them to secure accommodation and gather the necessary documents, more easily than the residents originating form African countries.
Differential treatment of specific nationalities in reception
Cyprus
Country Report: Differential treatment of specific nationalities in reception
Last updated: 11/04/23