Filenews 29 September 2025
The Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Dr. Nikolas A. Ioannidis, had a meeting with the President of the Community Council of Anafotia, Stavros Karagiorgis, on Monday, presenting the strategic importance of the projects implemented in the ''Lakes''. These are the Accommodation Center for applicants for international protection and the Pre-Removal Center for persons to be repatriated, projects funded by the European Union.
The meeting was also attended by the Vice President of the Community Council, Panagiotis Petrou, as well as the director of the Office of the Deputy Minister, Dr. Lambros Kaoullas.
The Deputy Minister stressed that the projects will decisively strengthen the implementation of migration policy, underlining in particular the possibility of increasing the number of returns after the opening of the Pre-Removal Center, within 2026. He also explained that the operation of the Centers will be accompanied by enhanced policing, increasing the sense of security of the residents, while the upgrading of the road network of the area, such as roads, pedestrian streets and lighting, is also being considered.
At the same time, he reiterated the commitment of the Deputy Ministry to close cooperation with the local communities, with the aim of the smooth development of the projects and the smooth operation of the Centers, always in the interest of the residents.
The meeting is part of the Deputy Minister's circle of contacts with the Presidents of the communities adjacent to the "Lakes" area. It is recalled that Dr. Ioannidis had already visited the Presidents of the Community Councils of Menogia, Kofinos, Mazotos, Alethriko, Alaminos and Kivissili, while in the coming weeks meetings will follow with the other communities of the South Stavrovouni Complex.
As noted, the aim of these meetings is to inform local authorities about the importance of the projects, but also to give the communities the opportunity to submit proposals for the management of possible issues that may arise during implementation.
CNA
