Filenews 30 April 2024 - by George Kallinikou
The vast majority of Cypriots are calling for stricter measures to deal with the migration problem, which has reached dangerous proportions for the balance in Cyprus and the prosperity of the island's inhabitants.
In the second part of philenews' major research in collaboration with Prime Market Research and Consulting Ltd, the anxiety about the evolution of the problem, as recorded in yesterday's first part, translates into the demand for other measures such as the constant surveillance of the coast guard to deter irregular migrants and the simplification of the deportation process.
Highly indicative of the breaking point at which citizens find themselves is the position of the 3,150 people, who successfully answered the survey questionnaire, in the overwhelming percentage of 83% against the entry to the island of migrants coming from non-war zones.
Specifically, to the question "Do you agree or disagree with allowing entry to Cyprus to migrants coming from countries that do not fall into war zones?", 83% answered that they disagree, 14% answered that they agree and 3% that they have no opinion.
Regarding age groups, the largest percentage (89%) is recorded in the 55-64 age category and the smallest (73%) in the 18-24 category. At district level, the largest percentage (88%) is recorded in Paphos.
61% agree with the Government's measures
Regarding the recent measures announced by the Government (suspension of the examination of asylum applications by Syrians, control of the coast guard, etc.), the majority of respondents expressed a positive position (44% strongly agree and 17% agree). However, as can be seen from the answers to the following questions, it is clear that it expects even more effective measures.
32% (12% strongly disagree and 20% disagree) took a negative position on the measures announced by the Government. In age groups, the largest percentage of those who agree with the Government's measures are in the over-64 category.
From the other responses for stricter measures, however, it appears that part of those who responded negatively to the Government's measures are people who want more effective measures.
To the question "How much do you think the following measures will help reduce the influx of migrants? Simplify deportation procedures", 89% were positive. Specifically, 82% believe that it will help a lot and 7% a lot. The most overwhelming positive attitude comes from the 55-64 age group and reaches 95%. As far as districts are concerned, Larnaka and Paphos (86%) give the highest percentages.
To the question "How much do you think the following measures will help reduce the descent of migrants? 24-hour coast guard surveillance to deter irregular migrants", 81% were positive. Specifically, 72% too much and 9% too much. Here, too, the 55-64 age group gave the largest percentage of 89%, while in the districts Famagusta and Larnaka gave the largest percentage (84%).
To the question "How much do you think the following measures will help reduce the descent of migrants? No allowances", 80% were positive. Specifically, 69% too much and 11% too much. The 55-64 age group also gave the largest percentage (85%) while in the districts the largest percentage (82%) was given by Larnaka.
Finally, to the question "How much do you think the following measures will help reduce the influx of migrants? Those who remain, work and pay taxes normally", 75% were positive. Specifically, 63% too much and 12% too much.
In the age groups the largest percentage (79%) was given by categories 45-54 and over 65, while in the districts Nicosia (77%).
Survey ID:
Sample size: 3150 successful interviews
Coverage: Pancyprian
Sampling: Random Stratified Multistage
Intelligence Collection Methodology: CAWI (Computer Aided Web Interviews)
Participants: Philenews
Website Visitors Data Collection Period: 22/04/2024 – 25/04/2024
Statistical Error: +/-2% (95% confidence interval)
