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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 (MRC) for when they exit and reside in the community, however due to staffing and organisational issues, not all persons were given access to this procedure and persons often exited the centre without applying for MRC. In 2025, this issue was mostly resolved; most residents are informed about the option to submit their application for MRC before exiting the Centre. Furthermore, the day of their release will be arranged to coincide with the date of their appointment at the district social welfare office, to ensure that they start receiving benefits at the time of their release.
Regarding access to the Centre, which ensures access to asylum procedures, from 2020 to 2022 access to Pournara was problematic,[1] with persons often not being admitted for registration and forced to keep returning until given access. At times, persons entered the Centre irregularly in order to find shelter while others slept outdoors in front of the registration gate. Several makeshift tents and shelters appeared at times around the centre, mostly inhabited by persons awaiting registration. Persons with a passport or some form of identification document were systematically given access faster.[2]
In 2023, access to the Centre was mostly without issue with a few exceptions, and in 2024 there were no issues accessing the Centre with the exception of the persons that were removed to the Buffer Zone (See Section: Access to the territory and push backs).[3] In 2025, no issues were noted regarding access to the Centre.
The nominal capacity of the Centre is 1,000 persons. From 2020 to mid-2022, it had largely surpassed its capacity, and at the beginning of 2022 there were just over 3,000 persons in the centre, which severely impacted the general living conditions and led to unrest and safety issues.[4] From mid-2022 year onwards, the number dropped to under 2,000. However, there were also 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.
In 2023, the number of arrivals decreased, mostly staying below 1,000 residents in the Centre at any given time, which led to an improvement in conditions in the Centre. In 2024, the number of arrivals decreased once again and, from May onwards, the number of residents was below 500,[5] a trend which continued in 2025 with the number of arrivals decreasing and the number of residents at times reaching under 200 persons.
Screening and identification of vulnerable persons is carried out in Pournara. In early 2023, the EUAA in collaboration with the Asylum Service introduced a flagging (screening) system to prioritise individuals with vulnerabilities and only persons who were flagged as vulnerable would undergo a vulnerability assessment by the vulnerability assessment team. However, this changed in August 2025 and since then all new arrivals undergo a vulnerability assessment without exception. (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.[6]
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 Centre are ongoing.[7] In 2024, sections were completed however works continue until present and the final part of the refurbishment is expected to be delivered and become operational by mid-2026.[8]
In 2025, in another visit to Cyprus, the CPT delegation noted that the living conditions in the facility had much improved and the delegation noted that many of its 2023 recommendations in this regard had been implemented. The delegation was encouraged to see that in the “main camp” and “safe zones” tents had been replaced with prefabricated units. The facility’s general state of hygiene was much better; a cleaning programme was in place and refurbishment of the centre was underway. Additionally, the delegation found separate showering and toilet areas for men, women and children, most of which were clean.[9]
The Centre is composed of a main camp, four “safe zones” for vulnerable persons, and an Emergency Zone located on the perimeter, 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 and sleeping bags to all residents, however there were still complaints about the cold. Furthermore, residents have at times complained about the lack of access to warm showering water, although efforts have been made to improve this.[10]
Regarding access to medical care, in 2024 there was only one doctor present and only on Monday-Wednesday- Friday from 09.00-13.00 and nursing staff was present on daily basis from 7.30 to 15.00.
From 2025 onwards, nursing staff is present 24/7 including weekends to assess emergency incidents, provide first-aid and medication and referral applicants to the General Hospital.
In the CPT 2025 report it was noted that healthcare staffing levels had improved. One doctor, one nurse and a pool of 12 part-time nurses were employed. Additionally, a health visitor visited the Centre daily to perform childhood immunisations. Persons requiring hospital care were usually sent, without an escort, by taxi to Nicosia General Hospital. Interpretation was available for medical consultations. However, access to mental healthcare services remained undeveloped, with the psychologist assigned to the facility conducting only pre-screening assessments. The CPT calls on the Cypriot authorities to remedy this shortcoming.[11]
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. A number of hot water dispensers have been installed and provide hot water for tea during specific times. However, there have been complaints that it runs out. There have also been complaints about the water dispensers, regarding taste of the water and it sometimes not being clear.[12] In 2025, the CPT delegation found that dietary needs were accommodated. However, while many persons reported being satisfied with the food, many others, including children, reported that the food provided was insufficient in quality and quantity. Furthermore, the delegation noted that persons were permitted to order food via delivery services; however, since the beginning of 2025, strict rules prohibited the entry of most food items.[13]
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 Safe Zone, 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 and 2025, families were accommodated in a section of the Emergency Zone or in the Safe Zone.
Safe Zones A and B are the most recently established areas of the Safe Zone, with a capacity to accommodate 88 persons, UASC girls in Zone A and vulnerable women in 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 Asylum Service coordinator responsible for the overall coordination, including admissions; 1 guardian from SWS, who is not present constantly and accompanies UASC to interviews; 2 EUAA staff 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 initially accommodated UASC boys but in January 2025, UASC boys were moved to Zone D due the bad conditions of Zone C, which is still not operational and there are no immediate plans to renovate it. UASC boys are accommodated in half of Zone D and the other half is reserved for families. During 2025, when there was a rise in the numbers of UASC boys in Pournara, some of them were accommodated in the Main Camp and even though they were housed with other UASC in the containers, they shared common space with adult men.[14]
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. [15]
In 2025, in another visit to Cyprus the CPT delegation once again noted that the “safe zones” for vulnerable women and unaccompanied girls provided better conditions. The zones comprised several two-story 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 laundry room and kitchen were in place and, as an improvement to 2023, an outdoor gym had been installed. By contrast, “Safe Zone D” for unaccompanied boys, which consisted of four operational containers accommodating 20 boys at the time of the visit, did not meet such standards. The containers were in a dilapidated and unhygienic state; the mattresses were worn-out and dirty, and the toilets and showers were in a poor state of hygiene. The two additional chemical toilets emitted a strong, pervasive odour throughout the zone.[16]
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 considered long considering that there is no freedom of movement. In 2024 and 2025, despite 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, families and UASC was significantly longer.[17] 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 prolonged stay of UASC in the Centre, and the lack of access to education and activities for all children while in Pournara has been raised by various stakeholders. 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”.[18]
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.[19] Further, on the same day, the Minister of Interior, 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.[20]
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.[21] The CPT, in its 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.[22]
In 2024, the total number of UASC throughout the year was 628 children.[23] 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 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 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 centres 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.[24]
Throughout 2025, the duration of stay for UASC was reduced as was the time required for the age assessment procedure. However, there are complaints regarding age assessments being carried out while the child is expecting original documents indicating that they are minors to arrive (see section: Age Assessment).[25]
In 2025, the CPT delegation noted that there was a significant decrease in population compared to 2023, as at the time 290 foreign nationals were deprived of their liberty in the Pournara Centre. However, vulnerable groups, including 25 UASC, continued to be held at the facility. Furthermore, the CPT noted that in March 2025 the average length of detention for adults in the Pournara Centre was 23 days, with one vulnerable woman at the time of the delegation’s visit being de facto deprived of her liberty for 166 days. While the registration procedure on average took a matter of days, some assessments, such as age assessments or DNA tests, took several months. Therefore, while on average UASC were detained for 13 days, multiple UASC were detained for extended periods, including one boy who had been detained for over 75 days. The CPT reiterated its long-standing view that asylum seekers should only be deprived of their liberty as an exceptional measure. Further, the CPT reiterates its call that the Cypriot authorities transfer vulnerable groups to more suitable accommodation and that steps be taken to end the detention of children and unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). [26]
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.[27]
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. [28]
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. Screening and identification of vulnerable persons is carried out in Pournara. In 2023, the EUAA in collaboration with the Asylum Service introduced a flagging (screening) system to prioritise individuals with vulnerabilities and only persons who were flagged as vulnerable would then undergo a vulnerability assessment by the vulnerability assessment team (see section: Identification). From August 2025 onwards, all new arrivals undergo a vulnerability assessment without exception.
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. The Centre used to have barbed wire fencing, but this has since been removed and now has high fencing that surrounds the perimeter of the centre. The CPT, in its May 2024 Report and again in its December 2025 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.[29]
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, or that the conditions are appalling.
In 2025, the Asylum Service has been implementing a program in an attempt to assist residents to exit the Centre and find accommodation. The program provides a five-day free of charge accommodation upon release during which asylum applicants are expected to secure accommodation. Initially, the program had great appeal, however the demand has gradually fallen due to the difficulties in securing accommodation and the high risk of becoming homeless after the five days.
Delays in exiting Pournara are also noted in cases where the applicant is being investigated by the police whether they constitute a danger to national security and public order. Due to the fact that the investigation that takes place is interdepartmental, it sometimes is further delayed with some residents having to wait for periods of five months until cleared for release. The prolonged stay is not based on law or an official decision and applicants in most cases are not well informed about the delay or the progress of the investigation.
Another reason for delays in exiting the Centre are often delays in the completion of the medical examinations. Furthermore, if a Mantoux test is positive, the person is referred to a specialised medical centre 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. In 2024, such delays were often due to challenges in staffing the medical unit, whereas in 2025, delays were mostly related to the Mantoux tests.
An additional reason for delays in exiting is when persons identified as vulnerable by the vulnerability assessment procedures who are to be accommodated by the Social Welfare Services, are requested to present medical documents proving their vulnerabilities. If they do not possess such documents, an appointment is made with specialised doctors outside Pournara which may be delayed depending on the doctor’s expertise. For example, appointments with psychiatrists may take up to four months.
In past years, especially during the period 2021-2023, the prolonged stay in Pournara and confinement led to unrest. In 2021, there were frequent protests in the Centre by asylum applicants, most times peaceful, but at times clashes between residents broke out or damage was caused.[30] In early 2022, another serious clash broke out among residents, leading to serious injuries and damages.[31] 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.[32]
However, in 2024 and 2025 with the number of residents and the duration of stay reduced, there were no incidents of unrest, and conflicts are rare and handled swiftly without any injuries or serious damages. Residents may still raise complaints about the restriction of movement as well as the difficulties to identify and secure accommodation while held in the Centre but without serious incidences.
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 Centre, there is limited access and only upon approval by the Asylum Service. In most requests by NGOs, and especially for legal advice, access was not usually granted. In 2025, such a request was granted for the Cyprus Refugee Council.[33] 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.
Preparations to increase the capacity of the Centre were initiated in 2022 and a new section was completed in 2023. Works continued, due to which in 2024 and 2025 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 initially expected to be completed within 2024, but delays occurred, and it was completed in late 2025. However, the new section will not be used to house Kofinou residents, instead it will be used temporarily to accommodate the Limnes section, due to the problematic conditions of the section currently being used. As a result, in early 2026 the capacity in Kofinou remains at 300 beds and will remain as such until the completion of the Reception/Pre-removal Centre at Limnes.
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 Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection 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, four or six 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 are observed from time to time. Residents may prepare their own food, in common kitchen areas, but must buy their own supplies.[34] 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.[35]
Regarding access to the Centre for NGOs, there is access upon approval, and access is granted in most cases. During 2024, in addition to the library, four new containers were set up for hosting volunteers and NGOs to carry out activities. This section is called the Integration Activities Area, and it 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 Centre’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. 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. There has been a positive collaboration between the schools and the Centre. From 2024 onwards 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 Centre with those schools.
In 2025, staff in the Centre included: an NGO providing administrative services/social support in the Centre with 4 social workers and 2 administrators; support from EUAA providing information to residents, 2 EUAA experts, 5 EUAA interpreters (Arabic, Somali, French, Farsi, Kurmanji, Badini, Turkish, Lingala); 10 interpreters and 7 case workers provided by the Asylum Service. Additionally one UNHCR staff member, is stationed in the Centre providing integration support services to residents and one monitoring conditions. Other staff members include 3 cleaners, 4 carers, 3 maintenance technicians, and 24/7 security officers.[36]
A development, following demands of the residents and as foreseen in the Refugee Law, was the establishment of the “Committee of Resident’s Representatives”.[37] 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 once a week. From 2024 onwards, a new medical unit started operations as part of the general redevelopment of the Centre. The new medical unit serves both Kofinou and Limnes residents.
As in previous year, in 2025, 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. 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.
In 2025, UNHCR in collaboration with EUAA supported the establishment of Women Friendly Spaces in Kofinou and Limnes Reception Centres by securing dedicated rooms where only women can safely gather. This space enabled women to participate in workshops, psychosocial activities, and skills-building sessions facilitated by external organisations or initiated by the women themselves. Furthermore, the creation of an elected women’s committee was supported to represent residents’ interests and concerns in meetings with service providers with the aim to strengthen women’s participation and leadership.
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.[38] 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 material reception conditions at the Social Welfare Services. However, the majority of residents are reluctant to move out of the Centre due to the limited levels of support are provided, the high rent prices of private accommodation, and the unavailability of social networks. In cases of asylum seekers who have been issued a residency order designating Kofinou as their place of residency, which has mainly been Syrian nationals, they are allowed to move out of the Centre, however they are not entitled to MRC regardless of any vulnerabilities.
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 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 reduced significantly the time needed to move out of the Centre. (see section: Housing),
Residing in the Community
The total number of asylum applicants in 2023 reached over 25,00 and in 2024 2025 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’.[39] 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[40]. 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.
Throughout 2025, incidences of police raiding areas and premises were asylum applicants and other third country nationals live were reported, leading to arrests of undocumented persons, as well as identifying premises of extremely low standards and overcrowding, however no measure to support persons living in such premises was reported. [41]
In 2024 and 2025, 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 rare in Cyprus.[42]
Children under the age of 14 can be placed in foster care, usually with a family member of the extended family. The 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.[43]
Regarding reception facilities for UASC, in 2025, four facilities referred to as semi-independent living units with 24-hour care operated and hosted refugee children aged between 13 and 18; two in Nicosia, one in Larnaca and one in Limassol. The one in Limassol operated by IOM was transferred in November 2025 to Nicosia as well. The other two are operated by the NGO “Hope for Children” CRC Policy Centre (HfC). The operation of all facilities was monitored by the SWS. Since January 2026, this responsibility has been transferred under the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection and specifically to the Asylum Service.
Regarding conditions in reception facilities for UASC in the past there were issues with those that at the time were directly under the management of SWS , especially with staff capacity, infrastructure conditions, social and psychological support, and integration activities. However, the facilities operated in 2025 are considered to be up to standard. Educational arrangements both within mainstream education and non-typical education contexts are in place across all facilities, 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.[44]
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.[45] 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.[46] There has been no reports in 2025 of hotels being used for this purpose.
In addition to the facilities referred to as semi-independent living units with 24 hour care, in 2025 the SWS was operating semi-independent living units for children over 16 via the organizations IOM, NGO “Hope for Children”, CRC Policy Centre and MetAction, aiming at facilitating the transition into adulthood. Regardless of the programme to which the child is allocated, guardianship remains with the SWS.
IOM launched its programme in April 2020 and offers legal advice, psychological support, social counselling, access to education and vocational training, and rehabilitation services.[47] 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. 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 22 children. Children referred to this programme are usually 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.[48]
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.[49] The majority of issues reported remain unresolved throughout 2024 and 2025.
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.[50]
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 that will include two Centres; a reception centre for asylum applicants and a pre-removal centre for persons who will be repatriated.[51] The pre-removal centre will replace Menogia Detention Centre.
The Centre at Limnes ceased operations in July 2023 and people were moved to a section in Kofinou Reception Centre while construction takes place in Limnes. The construction was expected to be concluded in 2025 and operations to start in early 2026.[52] However, delays have occurred and the reception centre is expected to be completed September 2026, whereas a section of the pre-removal centre is expected to start operations in the first quarter of 2026 to which detainees from Menogia will be transferred.
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 were 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 and 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, from March 2024, the Center was hosting some 160 asylum seekers mainly Syrians. In 2025, the majority of residents were asylum applicants rejected at first instance who have been issued a residence determination order and transferred to the Centre directly from Pournara and the rest persons who have applied for the Assisted Voluntary Return Program.[53]
Living conditions in Limnes (as a section of Kofinou) were initially considered to be 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. However, conditions have since deteriorated and in early 2026, a decision has been made to close this section and transfer residents temporarily to the new section at Kofinou which has a capacity of 170 beds, until the new Limnes Centre is completed.
Regarding medical care, there is one medical unit for all residents in Kofinou, that provides services to residents in the Limnes section, however there is a doctor appointed specifically for the Limnes section that visits the sections 3 times per week.
Residents of the Limnes section have full access to all the activities offered at Kofinou, such as language classes and other trainings (see section on Kofinou Reception Centre).
Regarding freedom of movement the same rules apply as with Kofinou Centre 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.[54]
[1] For detailed information see the 2021 and 2022 Updates of the AIDA Country Report on Cyprus, available here.
[2] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.
[3] Ibid.
[4] For detailed information see the 2021 and 2022 Updates of the AIDA Country Report on Cyprus, available here.
[5] Philenews, Immigration: Pournara Center is Empty – The measures seem to be working, 23 May 2024, available here.
[6] 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.
[7] IOM, Projects on Upgrading the First Reception Center “Pournara” in Cyprus, available here.
[8] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council
[9] 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 1 to 4 April 2025, available here.
[10] Ibid.
[11] 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 1 to 4 April 2025, available here.
[12] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.
[13] 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 1 to 4 April 2025, available here
[14] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.
[15] 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.
[16] 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 1 to 4 April 2025, available here.
[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 in Greek here; Kathimerini, In Pournara, 27 unaccompanied minors for over 90 days, 25 February 2025, available in Greek here.
[18] Kathimerini, Furious Michaelidou on minors in Pournara – They sleep on the floor, a piece of bread for breakfast, 9 March 2022, available in Greek here.
[19] Knews, Anastasiades visits Pournara after reports of unsuitable conditions, 14 March 2022, available in Greek here.
[20] Associated Press, Cyprus president vows “more humane” migrant camp conditions, 14 March 2022, available 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] Ibid.
[23] Information provided by Cyprus Asylum service.
[24] 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.
[25] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council
[26] 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 1 to 4 April 2025, available here.
[27] 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.
[28] UN, CCPR Human Rights Committee, Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of Cyprus, September 2023, available here
[29] 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.
[30] 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 here.
[31] Cyprus Mail, Kokkinotrimithia leader calls for closure of Pournara, 24 February 2023, available here.
[32] Cyprus Mail, Migrants fighting at Pournara to be arrested and deported, minister says, 6 November 2023, available here.
[33] Information provided by the Cyprus Refugee Council.
[34] Information provided by the Cyprus Refugee Council.
[35] According to reports to CyRC.
[36] Information provided by the Cyprus Refugee Council.
[37] Article 9IZ(2) Refugee Law.
[38] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.
[39] Dialogos, Λήψη μέτρων για την ολιστική αντιμετώπιση των μεταναστευτικών ροών, 12 March 2020, available in Greek here.
[40] Cyprus Times, ‘Apartments where immigrants lived in Paphos are being sealed off. Miserable conditions without electricity and water (pics)’, 16 October 2023, available here
[41] Alphanews, ‘Sweeping operation: 39 people checked in old Nicosia’, 26 February 2025, available in Greek here; Cyprus Times, ‘Operation “sweep” again in old Nicosia. Dozens of checks, one arrest’ 19 June 2025, available in Greek here, Philenews, ‘Sweeping operation in old Nicosia – 15 apartment buildings inspected’ 15 May 2025, available in Greek here.
[42] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.
[43] Information provided by Hope for Children.
[44] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.
[45] 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.
[46] Information provided by SWS.
[47] IOM press release, IOM Supports the Transition to Adulthood of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in Cyprus, 14 April 2020, available in English here.
[48] Information provided by Hope for Children.
[49] 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 here.
[50] Information provided by Hope for Children and Cyprus Refugee Council.
[51] 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 here; Cyprus Mail, EU and Cyprus close to an agreement for support on migration, 16 June 2022, available here.
[52] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.
[53] Information provided by Cyprus Refugee Council.
[54] Ibid.