BRITISH CONSULAR STAFF PRESENTATION AT KAMARES CLUB - 28 April 2015

NOTES ON PRESENTATION BY THE BRITISH CONSULAR STAFF

AT THE KAMARES CLUB ON TUESDAY 28^TH APRIL 2015

Participants 

Christina Smith - Vice Consul, Nicosia

Will Middleton – Consul, Madrid and Regional Director Europe

Gary Nicholls – Consul, Athens

Audience

                        Circa 80 attendees from Kamares, Tala and neighbouring villages

Will Middleton explained that there were many common issues that affected residents, visitors and consular matters handled by the 150 staff and 37 Consulates from Portugal to Turkey and his role is to coordinate information on these matters. He therefore welcomed any feedback from residents on issues pertaining to living, working or retiring in Cyprus.

Christina Smith felt it important to ensure British ex-pats living away from Nicosia felt they were also well represented and made frequent visits during the winter to all parts of the Island (including north of the Green Line as the High Commission represented the whole of Cyprus). This was not possible during the high tourist season so such visits from Nicosia staff were made between October and May.

The Commission’s staff’s highest priority was to focus support on the most vulnerable British Subjects. Main features of their work included lost or damaged passports, emergency passport replacements (expensive) property problems and support to families dealing with serious illnesses, accidents and deaths. Interesting statistics included of the 114 arrests over last year, 53% arose from Paphos and Agia Napa; 68% were males, 52% were over age 46. The Consulate often needs to contact relatives of British citizens following deaths and accidents which happen away from homes or hotels. Christina urged everyone to complete the contact data on the last page of passports so next of kin can be quickly informed.

Current issues concerned the new National Health Service change of rules from 6^th April 2015 which allows those entitled to free medical treatment in Cyprus (eg retirees receiving UK State Pension) to use UK hospitals on the same terms as if they were resident in the UK. On Title Deeds the Consulate was keeping a watching brief on the foreclosures bill on non-performing loans. On details recently introduced by the Cyprus Government Title owners of properties worth less that €250,000 have 6 months to negotiate an acceptable repayment scheme with their bank. Those without Deeds are not so protected unless they have paid the Developer in full and Title Deeds have not been forthcoming because the Developer has a mortgage on the property. There is expected to be further legislation on details of non-performing loans.

Main Topics - Question and Discussion Period

            The government directive was read out regarding fair treatment of residents’ equal rights to Cypriots to be buried in local cemeteries which the questioner advised was still not being adhered to in Tala. He also raised the inequalities of fees paid for Cypriots and non- Cypriots. He and others concerned individuals asked for the Consulate’s support to stop this unfair practice which was also in conflict with EU Law.

            The continuing delay in allowing a crematorium in Cyprus was raised, also with a request for support from the High Commission.

            An attendee running a new business in Cyprus asked if there were staff responsible in the Consulate to assist. Christina agreed provide details of relevant contacts.

There was concern that people received SAPA charges despite the delay in the program. Christina advised that these still had to be paid if billed (eg Taking Title Deeds).

The presenters were thanked and the meeting closed so individuals could discuss issues directly with the relevant Consuls.                                                                                                                                   

Thanks to Bryan Drake for the notes of the meeting.