Filenews 22 March 2024
Unaccompanied minor asylum seekers are the most sensitive part of migration.
Besides, the increased migratory flows in recent years imply increased flows of unaccompanied minors and the efforts of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare are ultimately to host the 1,200 unaccompanied minors, ensuring safe living conditions, as well as their integration and inclusion in society.
To address the hosting needs of unaccompanied minors, the government decided to place them in hotels or other accommodation units as of 2022.
On 15/3/2023, the Council of Ministers approved the re-lease of the three hotel units hosting approximately 300 children for the period 1/4/2023 until 30/9/2023, as well as the lease of hotel units or other tourist accommodation for the planned accommodation of 500 unaccompanied minors for the period until 31/12/2023 with the possibility of extension until 30/6/2024.
The same decision renewed the implementation of the procedure for purchasing services from professionals by assigning the duties of guardian, caregivers and coordinators, as well as guard services.
Following a relevant agreement between the Deputy Ministries of Tourism and Social Welfare, as of 1/3/2024, the existing contracts with the three tourist accommodation establishments in which minors are hosted are transferred, provided that the relevant approval is obtained from the House of Representatives for the transfer of the relevant credits, from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism to the Social Welfare Services (SWS) whose Director acts, under the Refugee Law, as guardian of unaccompanied minors.
As it has not been possible to find alternative accommodation solutions to date, despite the efforts of SWS to ensure sufficient accommodation places (state institutions, announcement of a tender for the creation of a hospitality center, cooperation with NGOs), there is a need to extend their accommodation policy in hotel or other tourist accommodation until definitive solutions and alternative rehabilitation frameworks are found that meet the needs of hosting unaccompanied persons.
By decision of the Council of Ministers, the extension of the policy of hosting unaccompanied minors in hotel and/or other tourist accommodation establishments was approved until 30/6/2026 or until alternative solutions are found that meet the needs of hospitality, whichever is earlier. Furthermore, the call for tenders for the provision of hospitality services and services by professionals with the assignment of guardians, caregivers and coordinators as well as guard services was approved.
In view of the imminent expiry of existing contracts and the difficulty of finding new accommodation, SWS are issuing three invitations to tender. Specifically, the first tender concerns the creation of a list for the provision of temporary accommodation services in hotels and organized apartments in Cyprus for a total of 400 places for unaccompanied minors (280 existing and additional 120 new places) for a period of 12 months and with the right of extension for two additional periods of 12 months each. The estimated value is estimated at €5,200,000 per year.
The second tender concerns the creation of a list of caregivers and guardians (24 professionals assigned as guardian / coordinator and 80 caregivers) for the staffing of the above accommodation and the duration of the agreement with the contractors will be valid for 12 months with the right to renew for two additional periods of 12 months each. The estimated value is estimated at €2,000,000 per year.
The third tender concerns the 24-hour guarding of the interior spaces of hotels / organized apartments by a private guard company and will be valid for 12 months with the right to renew for two additional periods of 12 months each. The estimated value is estimated at €543,600 per year.
The cost for the implementation of the three competitions will be covered by available appropriations in the budget of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare for 2024, which have taken into account the appropriations of €2.7 million. which will be transferred from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, while the appropriations required for the years 2025 and beyond will be included in the proposals of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare during the preparation of the Budget.
It is noted that the decision of the Council of Ministers authorized the Minister of Justice and Public Order to, in consultation with the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, give instructions to the Chief of Police to ensure the proper policing of the outdoor area of hotels and organized apartments in which unaccompanied minors are accommodated, provided that it is deemed appropriate.
Hosting 400 people at a cost of €15.6 million for three years
For the creation of a list for the provision of temporary accommodation services in hotels and organized apartments in Cyprus for unaccompanied minors seeking international protection, it is expected to spend €15.600.000 excluding VAT. The above estimated value includes the right to extend the contract for two periods of 12 months each. For the purpose of calculating the estimated value, the amount of €40 per person per day was estimated, excluding VAT for 400 persons.
It is emphasized that the Contracting Authority is not obliged to award a contract to a contractor whose hotel and/or organized apartment was not ranked first in the list based on the price offered.
In case the needs of SWS are not covered by the participation of the contractors in the agreement, the SWS may invite new interested economic operators to complete the list throughout the duration of the agreement. Inclusion in the list for entrustment for the provision of services will be carried out by decision of the competent body.
The sponsor will provide accommodation to the unaccompanied minors, which will include: Three meals per day as well as brunch and afternoon, as well as provision of Cypriot non-alcoholic beverages (e.g. juices) during the three meals. Also, drinking water should be constantly available. Any other beverage ordered will not be covered, unless relevant instructions / approvals are given by the Contracting Authority.
The rooms should be cleaned and linen (sheets, pillowcases, covers, blankets) and bath and face towels should be changed in the rooms, twice a week. The rooms will have sufficient quantities of soap, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, water, napkins, garbage bags.
