Filenews 23 October 2023
Increased arrivals of migrants by sea were recorded over the weekend in Cyprus.
Specifically, 40 people arrived on Saturday and 224 people on Sunday (on 2 boats, 142 and 82). According to an update by the Ministry of Interior, these are Syrians who arrived in Cyprus from Lebanon. There is also information about a large number of people planning to travel to Cyprus.
Following the arrivals, an operation was launched to arrest smugglers, in particular 10 people were identified and arrested and more are being investigated on the basis of information.
The arrivals and information are of great concern to the authorities of the Republic, given that the situation in the region increases the pressure with arrivals of irregular migrants and at the same time limits the possibilities for adequate and coordinated controls, especially by the Lebanese authorities to cut off boats.
Finally, it is noted that instructions have been given by the Minister of Interior and all competent Services are ready and coordinated, however it is reiterated that the possibilities in resources and infrastructure are not unlimited and both the Pournara KEPY and the other Centers can serve/host up to a specific number.
