Filenews 13 September 2023
The Ministry of Interior announces that works have been completed for the creation of a second reinforcing fence around the First Reception Center "Pournara" (KEPY), in the Community of Kokkinotrimithia.
In an announcement, it is stated that the fencing has been placed in order to limit the residents within the Center, ensuring the control of their admissions and expenses, both for their safety and for the safety and well-being of the residents of the wider area.
"By strengthening the fencing at the Center, it is possible to prevent/prevent the exit and movement of migrants to the Community of Kokkinotrimithia or to other areas," it said.
It is noted that during the stay of residents at the "Pournara" Center they are not allowed to leave the Center for reasons of public safety and health, until the completion of the necessary procedures, which last for a short period.
It is reminded that the KEPY "Pournara" operates as a first reception area for migrants who enter the Republic irregularly and the procedures include identification of individuals, their asylum application, checks (police and medical), as well as informing the incoming persons about their rights and obligations within the country.
It is reported that the residents of the KEPY are much fewer compared to the same date last year. Specifically, yesterday, the residents of the Center were 692, while last year, on the same day they amounted to 1,698.
The average number of residents is significantly reduced due to reduced arrivals, and therefore asylum applications in the Republic of Cyprus compared to last year, which have decreased by more than 50%.
Specifically, while for the period March – August 2022 asylum applications amounted to 11.961, for this year, 2023, applications in the corresponding period were 5.866. Also, the number of residents decreased due to the acceleration of procedures within the Center and its reinforcement with additional staff from the Asylum Service.
CNA
