In a bid to tackle pressing immigration issue in Cyprus, an Inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Minister of Interior Constantinos Ioannou convened on Thursday. The meeting decided the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Group tasked with the submission of a comprehensive plan within one month. "The meeting has decided to establish an Inter-Departmental Group under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior, comprising representatives from various relevant departments and agencies. Their mandate is to develop policies aimed at preventing irregular migration flows and managing the existing numbers of third-country nationals," read a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior after the meeting. During the meeting, discussions revolved around the focus areas for the Inter-Departmental Group, including a fresh assessment of the current situation and exploration of additional actions in areas such as combating illegal employment, social benefits, and the school integration of children with immigrant backgrounds. Additionally, the team will examine policies for the social integration of those with the right to stay in the Republic, with an emphasis on individuals granted international protection status. The Inter-Departmental Group will have approximately one month to elaborate and submit a comprehensive proposal of recommendations to the Inter-ministerial Committee for consideration. Today's meeting at the Ministry of Interior aimed to coordinate efforts to enhance existing practices and implement additional measures for managing immigration flows. It was attended by the responsible Ministers of Justice, Education, and Labor, as well as the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, the Assistant Chief for Border Protection, and Permanent Secretaries of a number of ministries and directors of various departments. Also present at the meeting were the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department, representatives from the Asylum Service, the Legal Service, and other government agencies.
Source: Cyprus News Agency