Conditions in reception facilities

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Cyprus Refugee Council Visit Website

First Reception Centre, Pournara

The Emergency Reception Centre (Pournara) was converted into a First Reception Centre. In 2019, the Centre underwent construction to upgrade the existing infrastructure by replacing tents with prefabricated constructions. Since 2020, asylum applicants who arrive in the country in an irregular manner are referred to the Centre. The services provided in the Centre include identification, registration, and lodging of asylum applications as well as medical screenings and vulnerability assessments. The medical test includes tuberculosis screening (Mantoux test), HIV, and Hepatitis. From late 2022 onwards, residents can also submit their application for material reception conditions for when they exit and reside in the community, however due to staffing and organisational issues, not all persons are given access to this procedure and persons still exit the centre without applying for MRC.

The nominal capacity of the Centre is 1,000 persons. From 2020 to mid-2022, it had largely surpassed its capacity, which severely impacted the general living conditions. At the beginning of 2022 there were just over 3,000 persons in the centre, however from mid-2022 year onwards the number dropped to under 2,000. Furthermore, in 2022 there were reports of an unknown number of persons residing in Pournara irregularly, who returned to the Centre after they had exited as they were unable to secure accommodation in the community.

During 2020 and 2021 access to Pournara was problematic.[1] In early 2022, it was reported that every day on average 40-50 persons were not admitted for registration, and were forced to keep returning every morning until given access.[2] In late 2022, the situation remained the same and, due to the high number of arrivals, it was decided to admit a maximum of 60 persons per day to keep the numbers of persons in the Centre under control.  As a result, approximately 40 persons were denied admission each day, leading to some persons entering the Centre irregularly in order to find shelter and others sleeping outdoors in front of the registration gate in the hopes of securing a position in the queue the following day. Several makeshift tents and shelters appear at times around the centre, mostly inhabited by persons awaiting registration. Persons with a passport or some form of identification document are systematically given access faster.

In 2023, the number of arrivals decreased, mostly staying below 1,000 residents in the Centre at any given time, which led to a significant improvement in access to the Centre, with most persons having access upon arrival. However, there were still instances where persons who did not present passports were denied entry by the AIU for 2-3 days. In 2024, the number of arrivals decreased once again and, from May onwards, the number of residents was below 500.[3] There were no issues accessing the Center with the exception of the persons that were removed to the Buffer Zone (See Section: Access to the territory and push backs).[4]

Screening and identification of vulnerable persons is carried in Pournara. In early 2023, the EUAA in collaboration with the Asylum Service finalised the SoPs for the identification of vulnerable persons in Pournara. According to the new procedure, a flagging (screening) system has been introduced to prioritise individuals with vulnerabilities and only persons who are flagged as vulnerable will then undergo a vulnerability assessment by the vulnerability assessment team (see section: Identification).

Regarding conditions, in 2022, around 500 asylum-applicants were residing in prefabricated shelters with access to electricity and heating, while others were accommodated in either tents or semi-hard plastic structures without access to electricity and adequate hygiene facilities. Throughout 2022 there were no more available spaces in the housing units or tents, and residents were instructed to sleep wherever they could; persons reported that they sleep two to a bed, on the floor or even in the playground. Furthermore, in 2022 incidents of alleged sexual harassment and incidents of rape were reported by individuals accommodated in Pournara.

In 2023, due to a decrease in numbers, the vast majority of residents were accommodated in prefabricated houses with access to electricity and beds. However, in May 2023, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) visited Pournara and found that persons held in the Centre were accommodated in severely overcrowded living conditions frequently offered only 1 to 2m² of personal living space in either prefabricated plastic containers, plastic shelters or tents. Many of these structures were in a dilapidated and worn-out condition, with broken doors and earth floors. The lack of windows and often broken air-conditioners contributed to making the containers poorly ventilated, mouldy and humid. Persons placed in containers, including single mothers and children and unaccompanied and separated children, were often forced to share beds and dirty sheets. Further, the tents and plastic containers were inappropriate for the long lengths of stays due to the lack of electricity and hot water. Persons were forced to sleep on worn out mattresses or directly on sheets placed on the ground, crammed next to each other like ‘sardines’ in unhygienic conditions. In the CPT’s view such living conditions may well amount to inhuman and degrading treatment and made recommendations to address these issues urgently.[5]

Infrastructural changes were planned to restructure and increase the capacity of the centre in late 2023, led by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Cypriot authorities, which will result in creating living conditions and means of support for up to 1,240 accommodation places and installation and conformation of accommodation containers for 960 accommodation places; creating common WASH facilities, communal spaces for activities and administration offices to fulfil the needs of first reception services procedures and constructing a temporary accommodation area with 984 places, where residents will be accommodated temporarily while works in the main Center are ongoing.[6] In 2024, sections were completed however works continue until present.[7]

The Centre is composed of a main camp, a Quarantine Area (no longer used for quarantine purposes), four “safe zones” for vulnerable persons, and an Emergency Zone located on the perimeter. In May 2024, due to the refurbishment plans, the Quarantine Area ceased to be operational and all residents were moved to the Emergency Zone which is separated into sectors and housing is provided in Rub Halls (tent-like structure). Single men are housed in one section and families in a separate section. The Emergency Zone has new beds and new facilities including washing facilities and showers. However, residents have complained about the living conditions due to the Rub-halls which are not suitable for harsh weather conditions, considering that in the summer months temperatures reach 45 Celsius and close to 0 degrees in the night during winter months. Efforts have been made to address the cold weather by providing blankets to all resident and sleeping bags to all families, however there were still complaints about the cold. Furthermore, residents have at times complained about the lack of access to warm showering water.[8]

Regarding access to medical care, in 2024 there was only one doctor present and only on Monday-Wednesday- Friday from 09.00-13.00. Nursing staff is present on daily basis from 7.30 to 15.00. As for food, 3 meals are provided per day by a catering company and from time to time there are complaints about the quality and hygiene issues.[9]

Pournara includes a Safe Zone, separated into 4 Zones/sections (A, B, C and D Zones),intended to accommodate UASC, vulnerable women, and families. Regarding the admission procedure of vulnerable persons into the Safe Zone; the Coordinator of the Safe Zone receives information on vulnerable cases from the EUAA Coordinator for vulnerability assessments on a daily basis and screens and selects the persons that will be accommodated in the Safe Zone. However, there are instances where a person may be admitted into the Safe Zone when vulnerabilities are identified prior to the vulnerability assessment. Overall men are not permitted to stay in the Safe Zone, including vulnerable men and members of LGBTIQ+ groups. In exceptional cases of extreme vulnerabilities, single men may be accommodated in an area close the offices.

In 2023, families could be accommodated in the SafeZone, however in most case they would be accommodated in the main section of the Centre, as men, including fathers with children are not allowed to stay in the Safe Zone and the families choose not to be separated. However, single mothers with children who have significant vulnerabilities may be accommodated in the Safe Zone.  In 2024, families were accommodated in a section of the Emergency Zone.

Safe Zones A and B are the most recently established areas, with a capacity to accommodate 88 persons, and are restricted to UASC girls (Zone A) and vulnerable women (Zone B).  Regarding infrastructure, there are a total of 20 containers in the New Safe Zone; 4 are reserved for offices and 16 for accommodation of residents. Each container includes 6 beds. There is a total of 9 showers and 9 toilets. The staff allocated to Zones A and B include 1 coordinator responsible for the overall coordination, including admissions; 1 guardian from SWS, who is not present constantly and accompanies UASC to interviews; 3 EUAA staff, 2 vulnerability experts and 1 for information provision and 1 security guard who monitors the entry into the area.

Safe Zones C & D are located in the area of the initial Safe Zone prior to the extension and therefore the oldest in terms of infrastructure. Safe Zone C accommodates UASC boys and has a total capacity to accommodate 90 persons. Regarding infrastructure there are 17 rooms with an average of 9 UASC per room and there are 2 toilets and 1 shower. Due to the high number of UASC boys, three containers from Safe Zone D were allocated to accommodate them. Safe Zone D accommodates families with small children, but male guardians (fathers) are not permitted to stay there; they are accommodated outside of the safe zone. Regarding infrastructure, there are 26 rooms with 8 persons per room and 1 out of 4 women / girls sleep on a mattress on the floor. In January 2025, UASC boys were moved out of Zone C to Zone D and Zone C is not being used.

The CPT reported, based on its 2023 visit to Pournara, that the Safe Zones provided better conditions, notably in the unaccompanied girls’ area. The zones comprised several two-storey buildings, with girls’ rooms offering an adequate amount of space and containing sets of bunk beds, cupboards, and lockers. Windows and air conditioners provided sufficient ventilation and light. A separate laundry room was in the Safe Zone, and the children were provided with soap, shampoo, and detergent. In contrast, the boys’ Safe Zone C did not meet such standards. Safe Zone C consisted of 15 operational containers of an average size of 13 m2 each, accommodating a total of 142 boys at the moment of the visit, thus offering less than 1.5 m2 of living space per child. All containers were dilapidated, dirty and battered, in which the delegation found insects and other vermin. The air conditioners were broken in almost all the containers and the artificial light was not functional. Floors and windows were dilapidated and destroyed. Unlike the girls’ Safe Zones, the boys did not have a laundry room, thereby forcing them to wash their clothes by hand in dilapidated wash basins. Most of the showers and toilets present on Safe Zone C were destroyed and the sinks were leaking all over the facility. [10]

In 2023, there were reports of some UASC who preferred to reside outside the safe zone with adults they knew to avoid conflicts emerging in the safe zone with other children accommodated there. No such practice was reported in 2024 there were no such reports.

An ongoing issue in Pournara remains the prolonged stay of UASC in the Centre, which is always longer than other residents and the lack of access to education and activities for all children while in Pournara. In early 2022, 30 unaccompanied children staged a protest due to the conditions in Pournara. The Commissioner for the Right’s for the Child issued a report, reiterating the responsibility of the State under human rights law to ensure food, protection as well as acceptable health and hygiene conditions for children at the Pournara reception centre. According to the Commissioner, the children are left with one bottle of water each, that “normally has to last the entire day”. Further, she described the hygienic conditions as “appalling,” and noted that “around 15 people sleep in each room, usually sharing beds, resulting in children often ending up sleeping on the floor. On top of that, the roughly 300 children housed at the centre are forced to share two toilets and a single shower room”.[11]

The intervention of the Commissioner led to a brief visit by the then President of the Republic on 14 March 2022, during which he promised to ensure that “more humane” conditions would be granted in the future, but also pointed out that the reception system’s “deficiencies” are to be attributed to the high amount of new arrivals, and that the problem will be “dealt with accordingly”. According to President Anastasiades, asylum applicants represent nearly 5% of the population. Cyprus has the highest number of asylum applications per capita of the 27 EU member states.[12] Further, on the same day, the Interior minister Nicos Nouris announced that 92 of the 356 children at Pournara had been relocated to hotels and that alternative accommodation for an additional 150 children was being identified. According to Nouris, the overcrowding at Pournara will be alleviated once transfers to a recently constructed reception centre south of Nicosia begins, Indicating Limnes Centre.[13]

During 2023, there were on average 150 UASC in Pournara and their stay was on average 80 days. The reason given by the authorities for such lengthy stays has often been that the age assessments were taking a long time to conclude; in the meanwhile, the children were required to stay in the centre with few support mechanisms, no education and few activities, which led to deepening frustration and various escape attempts.[14] The CPT, in its aforementioned 2024 report, recommended that the Cypriot authorities urgently take measures to reduce the delays in the age assessment procedure and recalled its position that every effort should be made to avoid depriving children of their liberty.[15]

In 2024, the total number of UASC throughout the year was 628 children.[16] No improvements were observed with regards to the length of stay, which was approximately 100-120 days. Furthermore, toward the end of 2024, the SWS has refrained from facilitating the exit of UASC from Pournara to UASC shelters. As a result, the only UASC exiting Pournara are those who can secure accommodation with extended family members or adult friends. This has resulted in UASC without any network, becoming the residents with the longest stay in Pournara, some remaining in the Center from September 2024. In early 2025, the Commissioner for Human Rights published a Report stating that the duration of stay in closed centers is not consistent with the international legal framework concerning the protection and safeguarding of the rights of the child, and deprives these minors of fundamental rights.[17]

In 2023, there were no developments with regards to access to education or activities. The CPT reported there was little to no regular regime of structured or purposeful activities provided for any of the detained persons, including the children. While there was a covered playground in the centre of the main camp, only children in the main camp could access it, thus excluding children held in the safe zones; no other form of entertainment or schooling was available. There was no library, activities centre, sports yard, or place for religious worship, and all detained persons complained about having nothing to do to structure their days while they were waiting for news about their immigration status or medical entry test results. It was particularly deplorable that the children detained in Pournara Centre were not provided with any games, recreational activities, or educational classes, and many did not even have access to the small equipped outdoor area with swings.[18]

In 2023, the UN Human Rights Committee raised concerns that asylum-seekers, including children, often remain at Pournara for several weeks or months. Furthermore, the Committee raised concerns regarding the substandard conditions at reception facilities. [19]

In 2024 there were limited developments with regards to access to education or activities, with the establishment of a football field and a new playground.

For all residents, freedom of movement is restricted while staying in Pournara (see section: Freedom of Movement).  Although the duration of stay was reduced in 2023, in comparison to previous years to an average of 30-40 days for adults and 80 days for UASC, it is still much longer than the initially planned 72 hours. In 2024, even with the decreased numbers of arrivals the  duration of stay was similar to 2023, however there was a significant number of cases were the duration of stay for adults and families reached 3 months and for UASC 4 months.[20] There is no legal basis for the restriction of movement during this time leading to a situation of de facto detention (see section: Detention).

The Centre has private security and, if necessary, contacts police to secure the perimeter and keep foreign nationals registered within the Centre and other persons outside. High barbed wire fencing surrounds the perimeter of the centre. The CPT, in its aforementioned May 2024 report, stated that it considers that persons held in the centre were de facto deprived of their liberty until they were permitted to leave, which was only once the various medical and other compulsory assessment results were received back from the specialist agencies and bodies. The CPT considered that placement in Pournara may amount to arbitrary deprivation of liberty, undermining access to basic safeguards against ill-treatment, and could last for an undefined period from several weeks to several months and even longer than a year in some cases, leaving detained persons in a state of uncertainty. Indeed, the situation was worse for minors undergoing age assessments, who on average stayed for more extended periods than the average adult.[21]

Asylum applicants may exit the Centre once all procedures have been concluded; however the authorities require them to present a valid address in the community. This requirement causes important difficulties and often prevents exit for the most vulnerable persons including persons with disabilities and large families who have increased difficulties identifying private accommodation. Furthermore, it has led to exploitation by agents, landlords and other persons in the community, increased risk of homelessness, as persons often discover upon exiting that the accommodation is not available, and appalling living.

Another reason for delays in exiting the Center are often delays in the completion of the medical examinations. In 2024, such delays were often due to challenges in staffing the medical unit.  Furthermore, if a Mantoux test is positive, the person is referred to a specialised medical center for assessment and treatment, however such referrals only take place once a month, which is not always communicated clearly to the person, leading to frustration or instances of positive tuberculosis cases.

The confinement in Pournara often leads to unrest. In 2021, the situation led to frequent protests in the Centre by asylum applicants, most times peaceful, but at times clashes between residents broke out or damage was caused. In late 2021, MPs from the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament carried out a visit to Pournara and stated having been left appalled by its conditions.[22]

In early 2022, another serious clash broke out among residents, leading to serious injuries and damages. Residents from neighbouring villages repeatedly voiced their discontent over the impact the Centre has on the area, specifically with regards to littering, trespassing and security concerns, and staged a protest outside Parliament in July 2022. Community leaders have welcomed government plans of reinforced fencing around the Centre, but also demand the complete closure or relocation of the Centre.[23]

In 2023, during a football match between residents, a fight broke out between persons of different ethnicity, leading to injuries of some participants and arrests by the police that intervened. At the time, the Minister of Interior stated that all those involved to be arrested and deported.[24] Persons were indeed arrested and detained, and their asylum applications examined speedily, however there were no reports of persons removed from the country without their asylum applications examined.[25]

In 2024, there were no incidents of unrest, and conflicts were rare and were handled swiftly without any injuries or serious damages. However, residents often raise complaints about the restriction of movement, which cause frustration and also highlighted the difficulties to identify and secure accommodation while held in the Center.

Regarding access to the Centre, an exterior fence was installed in 2023, increasing the controlled area of the facility. Furthermore, monitoring of access of staff and visitors in the Centre became much stricter. There are visiting hours (Mon-Fri: 12:00-16:00 and weekends 09:00- 16:00).

As for NGOs accessing the Center, there is limited access and only upon approval by the Asylum Service. In most requests by NGOs, and especially for legal advice, access is usually not granted.[26] See Access to UNHCR and NGOs.

Reception Centre for Asylum Applicants, Kofinou

The main reception centre is located in the area of Kofinou in Larnaca District and began operating in 2014 with a nominal capacity of approximately 400 people. The Reception Centre is located in a remote area (roughly 25km from the nearest city, Larnaca), surrounded by dry fields and sparse vegetation. It is near a village with a population of approximately 1,300 people. There are bus routes connecting the reception centre with cities either directly in the case of Larnaca or through regional bus stations from where connecting transport can be used to reach other destinations. An extension of the Centre was announced in August 2022 and since October 2022 works have been underway. For this reason, in 2024 the Centre has been operating at a lower capacity at 300 beds. The redevelopment will increase the capacity of the Centre to approximately 600 people and was expected to be completed within 2024, however delays occurred and it is expected to be completed in early 2025.

The Centre hosts families, single women and single men, and all residents have direct access to all sections. The Centre does not provide facilities for vulnerable persons, and vulnerable persons will only be admitted by way of exception.

The Asylum Service is responsible for the overall operation and financial management of the Kofinou reception centre. The Director is appointed by the Ministry of Interior and is stationed onsite. The daily administration of the centre has been assigned to an NGO while some services such as catering and security are provided by contractors. Two policemen stationed as part of Limnes staff are also present in the area.

Kofinou Reception Centre consists of containers (mobile/temporary structures), with rooms designated to accommodate two to four persons depending on their size. There have been reports of more than four members of a family having to reside in one room, but not on a regular basis. Families do not share their rooms, while single persons do. Single men and single women use separate toilets/bathrooms. Families are placed in containers with two rooms (one for each family) where a common en-suite bathroom/toilet is shared. In the case of a family with many members, both rooms (i.e., the whole container) can be allocated.

Residents of the reception receive a monthly stipend of € 100 for the head of the family and to € 50 for every other family member.

Three meals are provided per day and special dietary arrangements are typically accommodated. Complaints regarding quality, quantity and variety of the food were still observed. Residents may prepare their own food, in common kitchen areas, but must buy their own supplies.[27] Currently, six common kitchen areas and equipment are available to the residents.

According to residents, the cleaning of shared toilets/bathrooms is adequate. Families must clean their own toilets. Complaints of not having enough hot water throughout the day are rare. Reports of insects and snakes appearing on the premises, due to the location of the Centre, continue.[28]

Regarding access to the Centre for NGOs, there is access upon approval, and access is granted in most cases. A room is available for hosting residents and volunteers in order to carry out activities. During 2024, in addition to the library, four new containers were set up for hosting volunteers and NGOs. This new section is called the Integration Activities Area, and it currently houses activities such as computer classes, language lessons, occupational therapy, employability counselling, and others.

Residents are allowed to go out when they wish, providing that they do not leave the centre for prolonged periods of time. Residents are not allowed to leave the premises for more than 48 hours but, in some instances, this can be extended by notifying the Center’s administrators.

Children in the Centre attend primary and high school in the community and a designated bus service is provided. No racist or discriminatory incidents were recorded and the integration of children in schools is reported, overall, as satisfactory by residents. There has been a positive collaboration between the schools and the Centre Near-by schools have been able to accommodate the number of children residing in the centre and children’s enrolment in education is typically performed timely, During 2024, and in order to accommodate commuting of students to schools in the nearest city of Larnaca, the Ministry of Education arranged for buses that connect directly the Center with those schools.

In 2024, staff in the Centre included: an NGO providing administrative services/social support in the Centre with 4 social workers and 2 administrators; 1 social worker from SWS that visits the centre twice a week; support from EUAA  providing information to residents is currently suspended, 5 EUAA interpreters (Arabic, Somali, French, Farsi, Kurmanji, Badini, Turkish, Lingala); 10 interpreters provided and 5 case workers provided by the Asylum Service are also present Additional staff includes two UNHCR staff members, one providing integration support services to residents and one monitoring conditions and providing legal advice. Other staff members include 3 cleaners, 4 carers, 3 maintenance technicians, and 24/7 security officers.[29]

A development, following demands of the residents and as foreseen in the Refugee Law, was the establishment of the “Committee of Resident’s Representatives”.[30] The Committee carried out weekly meetings with the Director of the Centre, and a Code was signed between the residents and the Centre defining roles and recording procedures. The committee, though not officially, was inactive due to some of its active members having exited the Centre, but procedures to resume operation were initiated during 2024, however, they did not materialise

In relation to Health Services provided, there is currently one nurse at the Centre each day and one mental health nurse visiting the Centre twice a week, and one pathologist offering services three times a week. In 2024, a new medical unit started operations as part of the general redevelopment of the Center. The new medical unit serves both Kofinou and Limnes residents.

Throughout 2024, a number of organisations have had regular access to the Centre, providing medical supplies, psychosocial support, Greek language classes, English language classes, upskilling workshops, dance classes, occupational therapy sessions to minors and adults, and activities specifically aimed at children including arts and sports classes.

Other facilities include two outdoor playgrounds, one outdoor gym, and a library. Works to build football fields inside the Centre were in progress at the time of reporting. There is Wi-Fi coverage in the centre, however at times, complaints are made regarding broadband speed/coverage. The library and the activities room are generally kept locked and are opened only when there is an activity taking place.

For the prevention of SGBV incidents residents are informed upon arrival by their social workers of the procedure to report any SGBV incidents, which is to directly report it to their social workers, who will then raise the matter with the Social Welfare Service. The SWS will then take appropriate actions depending on the severity of the incident.

Regarding the duration of stay in the reception centre, there is no specific time frame for asylum applicants. As long as the claimant of material reception conditions retains the status of an asylum applicant, they are eligible to reside in the centre. Upon the issuance of a final negative decision, the person is usually notified to make necessary arrangements to depart from Cyprus. Residents of Kofinou who have been rejected typically move to the Limnes section of the Centre and are allowed to remain until they depart from Cyprus. In 2023, efforts were made to remove persons that had received a final rejection, in some instances the police removed persons to detention. There were also limited number of evictions of persons due to violent behaviour.[31] For the latter, arrangements were made by Kofinou Centre in order for temporary shelter in hotels to be provided upon exiting the Centre.

Residents who are able to provide a residence address in the community, are allowed to leave the centre and move if they want and are allowed to claim MRC at the Social Welfare Services. Although a number of residents, mainly those from Syria who had sufficient social networks in the community, were able to move, the vast majority of residents are reluctant to do this due to the unsatisfactory levels of support that are provided, the high rent prices of private accommodation, and the unavailability of social networks.

Once a resident of the Centre receives a positive decision on their asylum application granting them international protection, they are given two months’ notice in order to move out of Kofinou and into private accommodation in the community which they must find themselves. There is no procedure in place to accommodate the transition of persons into the community and there are no centres or shelters available for Beneficiaries of International Protection (see section: Housing). Furthermore, the high rent prices, obstacles in finding employment and delays in receiving State financial assistance means the transition of persons with International Protection from the Centre in the community remains a challenging process.

Residing in the Community

The total number of asylum applicants in 2023 reached over 25,000 and in 2024 over 20,000. With the capacity of Reception Centres limited to around 1,400 persons, most asylum applicants reside in the community in private houses/flats, which they are required to secure on their own.

As the main Reception Centre, Kofinou is at maximum capacity at almost all times, the SWS bears the responsibility of processing applications and addressing asylum applicants’ needs, including the allocation of an allowance to cover housing expenses. Asylum applicants are expected to find accommodation and provide all necessary documentation as part of this process.

The SWS only assists selected vulnerable persons with finding shelter in the community. For the vast majority of asylum applicants, housing continues to be a major issue, and they often find themselves in destitution, facing increased risk of homelessness, appalling living conditions and exploitation by agents, landlords and other persons in the community.

Practical difficulties in obtaining certain requirements such as a rental agreement, a deposit, and/or advance payments, which although foreseen in the 2022 Ministerial orders, they are still not allocated uniformly by Social Services, continue to generate issues in relation to securing shelter for applicants. Reports of landlords being unwilling to provide housing to asylum applicants are also alarming. The rapid rise in demand for housing in urban areas has led to a sharp increase in rent prices, making the gap between the allocated resources and rent prices even greater.

In addition, and as stated in the application form for reception conditions, (see section: Access and forms of reception condition) a maximum amount is allocated to each house occupied by asylum seeking tenants regardless of the number of tenants, the relationship between them, and the number of individual contracts they may have with the owner in the case of shared accommodation. The particular provision on a maximum amount was sporadically implemented in the past, but since 2020 until today, it is uniformly applied in all cases, increasing the risk of destitution and homelessness.

Contextually to the announcement of measures addressing migrant flows in early 2020, the Ministry of Interior declared: ‘In co-operation with the Local Authorities, an investigation is launched into the illegal residence of immigrants in inappropriate premises with the simultaneous prosecution of owners who exploit them by receiving state housing allowances that applicants receive’.[32] In practice, local authorities were requested to investigate such residences and some visits were carried out, however such premises continue to be in use.

The difficulties in securing shelter in the community have led to an increase in the use of run-down or derelict buildings. These are apartment buildings or former hotel apartments in very bad conditions, often without running water, with severe structural, electrical and sewage issues etc[33]. Due to their decaying conditions, the owners are generally unable to rent them to nationals and instead rent them to asylum applicants. Reports of owners receiving rent allowance for such properties from the SWS were reported in 2021 and 2022. Asylum applicants residing in such buildings include vulnerable persons such as single mothers with young children, pregnant women, violence/torture victims, disabled persons etc. The local authorities in some cases have taken legal action against the owners but due to lack of housing alternatives moving persons from such buildings has proven extremely difficult.

In 2024, the situation remained the same with no measures taken to prevent homelessness and destitution.

Accommodation for UASC

From 2020 onwards, unaccompanied children are referred to the Pournara First Reception Centre upon arrival for registration (see Pournara). Children under the age of 12 will most probably be immediately placed in the youth homes operated by the SWS for all children under their guardianship (nationals, EU nationals, third country nationals (TCNs)) and some of them are subsequently placed in foster families following relevant procedures. However, such ages of UASC are very rare in Cyprus.[34]

Children under the age of 14 can be placed in foster care, usually with a family member of the extended family.Tthe NGO “Hope for Children” CRC Policy Centre (HfC) runs the foster care programme that is addressed to all children regardless of nationality and status, including unaccompanied children under the age of 16. For foster children, guardianship remains with the SWS, and HFC and the SWS undertake the monitoring and support of the family. The child lives with the relative who is considered the foster parent and is expected to provide day to day care to the UASC. The housing conditions vary depending on the living arrangement of the foster parent, though there is an assessment of the living conditions of the foster parent and approval is conditional to criteria set by the SWS.[35]

Regarding reception facilities for UASC, there are four shelters hosting refugee children aged between 13 and 18; two in Nicosia, one in Larnaca and one in Limassol. The operation of all shelters is monitored by the SWS, one is managed by SWS and three of them are managed directly by the NGO “Hope for Children” CRC Policy Centre (HfC) following the relevant agreement between the State and the organisation. HfC has been running the Nicosia male Youth Home since 2014 and in 2019 took over the management of two more shelters in Larnaca.

Conditions in shelters vary, with those being directly under the management of SWS facing more challenges, especially with staff capacity, infrastructure conditions, social and psychological support, and integration activities. Educational arrangements both within mainstream education and non-typical education contexts are in place across all shelters, however a considerable number of children do not regularly attend school. Non-typical educational activities include language courses, music classes, art and drama therapy, physical education, sewing and other.[36]

In 2022, due to the increase in numbers of UASC and limited capacity in existing shelters and other accommodation options and the substandard conditions in Pournara, the Social Welfare Services contracted hotels as a temporary measure to house UASC. The conditions in the hotels are not considered up to standard.[37] In 2023 and early 2024, 3 hotels continued to be used in Lanaraca, Paphos and Ammochostos district. In 2024, only the hotel in Paphos remained in operation and by early 2025 it also ceased operations.[38]

In addition to the shelters, there are five programmes offering semi-independent living for unaccompanied children ages 16-18, aiming at facilitating the transition into adulthood. One is run by the SWS itself, a second by IOM, a third by NGO “Hope for Children” CRC Policy Centre, the fourth offered by St Joseph’s Social Center and the fifth offered by CODECA. Regardless of the programme to which the child is allocated, guardianship remains with the SWS. Under the programme run by the SWS, an adult, usually familiar to the child, is appointed as a focal point for the child and undertakes their day-to-day care. In the programmes run by IOM, HfC and CODECA the day-to-day care is overseen by the organisation’s staff.

IOM launched its programme in April 2020 and offers legal advice, psychological support, social counselling, access to education and vocational training, and rehabilitation services.[39] Referrals to the programme are made by the SWS while the UASC are in Pournara First Reception Centre. The programme is comprised of studio apartments located in various areas.  Girls and boys are hosted separately. Social workers are assigned by IOM to assess and address the needs of the UASC. Additionally, there are support staff, whose duty station is close to the housing unit and assist with day to day needs of the UASC. Psychological support is offered by HfC staff, whereas IOM offers legal advice and social counselling.

The HfC semi-independent programme has been running since 2017. Though initially only implemented in Nicosia, it has since expanded to Larnaca. The programme consists of apartments in the urban areas of Nicosia and Larnaca. Capacity is limited with approximately 30 children. Children referred to this programme are former residents of the UASC shelters run by HfC in Nicosia and Larnaca, assessed by the staff as able to live under a more independent framework or, more often, UASC who are approaching the age of majority and should be eased into the life of a young adult. The UASC receive legal advice, psychological support, social counselling, access to education and vocational training, and rehabilitation services by HfC staff.[40]

Various issues were reported regarding unaccompanied children transitioning to adulthood. In December 2018, the Commissioner for the Rights of the Child published a report expressing concern over the lack of measures to support unaccompanied migrant children who turn 18 to access suitable accommodation, education, training, employment, information and social, psychological and mental health support.[41] The majority of issues reported remain unresolved throughout 2024.

When children reach the age of maturity at 18 years old, they are requested to leave the shelters. In rare cases, the stay can be prolonged due to humanitarian or other extraordinary reasons (such as serious health concerns, if leaving the shelter will interfere with education, and other serious vulnerability). The shelter staff undertake the preparation of children for the transition into adulthood in terms of securing accommodation, finding employment, or applying for material reception conditions. In many cases where accommodation had not been secured, the SWS financed the stay of the young adults in temporary hotels or hostels. HfC has an internal policy to follow up on the young adults for a period of 6 months in order to ensure smooth transition and wellbeing of the former UASC.[42]

In 2024, the following shelters and programmes were used to accommodate UASC:

Source: Social Welfare Services

Limnes Reception/Pre-removal Centre

The Centre at Limnes began to operate in November 2021 with small groups of refused asylum applicants being transferred there from Pournara. Given its recent establishment, as well as the lack of access to the Centre there are no reports on the conditions in the Centre. However, the general conditions were considered substandard and in August 2022, it was announced that Cyprus was to receive € 72m in funds from the European Commission, for projects to support the reception, asylum and return systems in Cyprus, which included € 67m for the enhancement of the capacity at Limnes.[43]

The Centre ceased operations in July 2023 and people were moved to a section in Kofinou Reception Centre while construction takes place in Limnes. The construction is estimated to be concluded in 2025 and operations are expected to start in 2026.[44]

While the centre was operating in the original location in 2022 and early 2023, the majority of persons transferred to Limnes, mainly from Pakistan and Bangladesh, had been issued with negative asylum decisions and a decision determining their place of residence as Limnes, with a provision that should they decide to leave Limnes they would have no access to welfare assistance. The trend was for persons to voluntarily leave the Centre and reside in the community, without access to material reception conditions, mainly to access employment opportunities in the community.

Those who elected to reside at the Centre were accommodated in the open sections of the Centre and were allowed to move enter and exit between 9am and 9pm, however exceptions are made in relation to persons who might need to exit the Centre at different times, either for medical or employment reasons. Furthermore, they were provided with a stipulated cash allowance of € 100, allocated at the end of each month.

The Centre was also used at times on ad-hoc basis to address overcrowding at Pournara.

In early 2023, there were approximately 150 persons at Limnes, all in the open section of the Centre of which the majority had received a first instance rejection to their asylum application.

From mid-2023 until present, the Centre is operating in a section of Kofinou Reception Centre. The area allocated for Limnes has the capacity to host approximately 300 residents. Persons who are admitted to Limnes include:

• Persons who receive a first-instance rejection through the accelerated procedure whilst at Pournara. They are given the choice to either remain at Limnes during their appeal procedure or to leave Limnes, thereby waiving their right to welfare benefits;
• Persons who apply for the Assisted Voluntary Return Program, either from Pournara or from the community, provided that they do not have accommodation of their own; those who do can continue to reside at their accommodation until the return flight. These persons are expected to remain at Limnes until their return flight, at which point they are transferred directly to the airport;
• Persons who are included in the EU Relocation Scheme. This may also include Kofinou residents as once they are pre-selected for relocation they are transferred from Kofinou to Limnes. Persons in the Relocation Scheme remain at Limnes throughout the clearance procedures and until their relocation flight, at which point they are transferred directly to the airport; and
• A small number of exceptional cases, such as persons who are released from Pournara but who are unable to secure accommodation.
• Asylum applicants.

In early 2024, the majority of residents in Limnes were persons that had applied for the Assisted Voluntary Return Program. However, since March 2024, the Center has been hosting some 160 asylum seekers mainly Syrians.[45]

Regarding conditions in Limnes (as a section of Kofinou) these are considered to be generally up to standard. The section is separated into 3 zones. Men are always housed in a different zone separately from women. Each family, including single parent families, are provided with a separate container with one bathroom per two adjoining rooms. The zone that houses single men, does not have individual bathrooms; instead, there are shared bathrooms.

Regarding freedom of movement the same rules apply as with Kofinou Center and residents are allowed to go out when they wish, providing that they do not leave the centre for prolonged periods of time. Residents are not allowed to leave the premises for more than 48 hours. However, exceptions are made in relation to persons who might need to exit the Centre at different times, either for medical or employment reasons. Persons who are transferred to Limnes and are asylum applicants are provided with a stipulated cash allowance of € 100, which is allocated at the end of each month whereas, persons who are not asylum applicants such as those who have a final rejection or have withdrawn their asylum application as part of voluntary return program are not entitled to this allowance.[46]

^{[1] For detailed information see the 2021 and 2022 Updates of the AIDA Country Report on Cyprus, available at: https://bit.ly/4aivBFw.}

^{[2] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[3] Philenews, Immigration: Pournara Center is Empty – The measures seem to be working, 23 May 2024, available here.}

^{[4] Ibid.}

^{[5] CPT, Report to the Government of Cyprus on the visit to Cyprus carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 9 to 17 May 2023, available here.}

^{[6] IOM, Projects on Upgrading the First Reception Center “Pournara” in Cyprus, available here.}

^{[7] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council}

^{[8] Ibid.}

^{[9] Ibid.}

^{[10] Report to the Government of Cyprus on the visit to Cyprus carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 9 to 17 May 2023, available here.}

^{[11] Kathimerini, Furious Michaelidou on minors in Pournara – They sleep on the floor, a piece of bread for breakfast, 9 March 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3TsmytE.}    

^{[12] Knews, Anastasiades visits Pournara after reports of unsuitable conditions, 14 March 2022, available at: https://tinyurl.com/yc4jzbsw.}

^{[13] Associated Press, Cyprus president vows “more humane” migrant camp conditions, 14 March 2022, available at: https://tinyurl.com/4ur5y8cv.}

^{[14] CPT, Report to the Government of Cyprus on the visit to Cyprus carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 9 to 17 May 2023, available here.}

^{[15] Ibid.}

^{[16] Information provided by Cyprus Asylum service.}

^{[17] Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman), Report on the visit on February 21, 2025 to the “Pournara” Temporary Reception and Hospitality Center for migrants Immigrants in Kokkinotrimithia, ΕΜΠ. 8 January 2025, available here. Kathimerini, In Pournara, 27 unaccompanied minors for over 90 days, 25 February 2025, available in Greek here.}

^{[18] CPT, Report to the Government of Cyprus on the visit to Cyprus carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 9 to 17 May 2023, available here.}

^{[19] UN, CCPR Human Rights Committee, Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of Cyprus, September 2023, available here}

^{[20] Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman), Report on the visit on February 21, 2025 to the “Pournara” Temporary Reception and Hospitality Center for migrants Immigrants in Kokkinotrimithia, ΕΜΠ. 8 January 2025, available here. Kathimerini, In Pournara, 27 unaccompanied minors for over 90 days, 25 February 2025, available in Greek here.}

^{[21] CPT, Report to the Government of Cyprus on the visit to Cyprus carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 9 to 17 May 2023, available here.}

^{[22] Phileleftheros, MPs in Pournara: “12 children stacked in containers”,’ 13 December 2021, available in Greek here; Phileleftheros, These are not images that honor us in “Pournara”, 15 December 2021, available here; Cyprus Mail, Pournara Camp a Ticking Bomb, 19 December 2021, available at: https://bit.ly/3LgqOa8.}   

^{[23] Cyprus Mail, Kokkinotrimithia leader calls for closure of Pournara, 24 February 2023, available at: http://bit.ly/3JO2dKR.}   

^{[24] Cyprus Mail, Migrants fighting at Pournara to be arrested and deported, minister says, 6 November 2023, available at: https://tinyurl.com/527b9rny.}

^{[25] Information based on cases represented by Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[26] Information provided by the Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[27] Information provided by the Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[28] According to reports to CyRC.}

^{[29] Information provided by the Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[30] Article 9IZ(2) Refugee Law.}

^{[31] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[32] Dialogos, Λήψη μέτρων για την ολιστική αντιμετώπιση των μεταναστευτικών ροών, 12 March 2020, available in Greek at: https://bit.ly/44jyjYZ.} 

^{[33] Cyprus Times, ‘Apartments where immigrants lived in Paphos are being sealed off. Miserable conditions without electricity and water (pics)’, 16 October 2023, available here}

^{[34] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[35] Information provided by Hope for Children.}

^{[36] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.}        

^{[37] Commissioner for Child’s Rights, Memorandum of the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child for the discussion on “The government’s actions to find a suitable space for the creation of adolescent immigrant protection structures, as an obligation of the state stemming from the Recovery and Resilience Plan” at the Parliamentary Committee on Interior, on 23 November 2023, available here.}

^{[38] Information provided by SWS.}

^{[39] IOM press release, IOM Supports the Transition to Adulthood of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in Cyprus, 14 April 2020, available in English at https://bit.ly/3r3tOw4.}

^{[40] Information provided by Hope for Children.}

^{[41] Commissioner for the Rights of the Child, Report on the procedures for the transition to adulthood of UASC / Έκθεση της Επιτρόπου, αναφορικά με τις διαδικασίες μετάβασης στην ενηλικίωση των ασυνόδευτων ανηλίκων αιτητών ασύλου, 19 December 2018, available in Greek at: https://bit.ly/2UthBEa.}

^{[42] Information provided by Hope for Children and Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[43] Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Announcment: Tender Announcement for the Construction of a “LIMNES” Hospitality Center for International Protection Applicants and a Pre-Departure Center for persons who will be repatriated to the Menogia area of Larnaca District, 26 January 2023, available in Greek at: http://bit.ly/3TZaArO; Cyprus Mail, EU and Cyprus close to an agreement for support on migration, 16 June 2022, available at: http://bit.ly/3JVBE6D.}

^{[44] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[45] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.}

^{[46] Ibid.}