Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides on Wednesday said Cyprus is prepared to deal with any migrant arrivals in light of the escalating situation in Lebanon.
“If there are people in need and in danger, we will not close the door to them, we never have,” he told AlphaNews.
At the same time, “we have to take into consideration Cyprus’ ability to absorb specific numbers [of migrants].”
Asked if the government would engage in pushback policy which it has been accused of in the past, Ioannides refuted this and denied Cyprus has ever carried out pushbacks.
He specified the patrols in Cyprus’ waters are still ongoing but they aim “to prevent smugglers from taking advantage of people”.
Any individual in need of international protection will be admitted to Pournara reception facility and their application processed, Ioannou said.
He specified there are national schemes in place including ‘Nafkratis’ which deals with the management of mass arrivals to Cyprus.
Cyprus in August announced its Estia scheme which deals with evacuations was activated. Authorities have since been ready to aid with any evacuations from the Middle East and assist with repatriating foreign nationals through Cyprus.
Ioannides said that under the Estia plan, any evacuated individuals will be in Cyprus for 24 to 48 hours before they are repatriated to their home country.
Talks have been ongoing for months, particularly at a technocratic level between the deputy ministry for migration, interior ministry and foreign ministry as part of the government’s preparation efforts.
