Cyprus is recording improvements in migrants' access to healthcare and integration services, according to a Commission statement published on Thursday and based on the 2024 Asylum Information Database (AIDA) report.
According to the report, beneficiaries of international protection in Cyprus now have access to the General Health System (GHS), with the possibility of services provided by general practitioners and specialists under the same conditions as EU citizens and nationals. At the same time, holders of temporary protection receive a one-time financial allowance and have direct access to the labour market and education, which allows adults to join the labour market and children to attend school without delay.
The report records that at the end of 2024, 24,823 people in Cyprus had temporary protection status. As mentioned, the measures aim to facilitate access to basic services and enhance social and economic inclusion.
At the level of migration policy, at the National Conference of the European Migration Network (EMN), which is affiliated with the Commission, changes were presented in the Cypriot framework for the labour migration of third-country nationals. The changes concern access to work, residence permits and family reunification, as well as the modernization of digital processes.
In the same context, reference was made to the update of the European Blue Card scheme, which allows highly skilled workers from third countries to be employed in Cyprus, without a maximum duration of employment, with access to intra-EU mobility, as well as family reunification and health coverage.
It also includes evidence for the expansion of pre-departure programmes through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), supported by the Commission. Under the European Partnerships for Skills and Mobility, Cyprus participates in programmes that provide language education, vocational training and skills development in the countries of origin. It is pointed out that since 2021, more than 3,400 trainings and over 2,000 movements have been implemented as part of the actions.
At the same time, reference is made to the development of regional intercultural networks in Cyprus, in the framework of the Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities programme. These networks act as coordination mechanisms between local authorities, civil society and migrant communities to design and monitor integration policies.
As reported, in 2024 the district of Larnaca proceeded with the intercultural policy strategy 2023–2025, while the province of Limassol continued the coordination through the Intercultural Council. Nicosia integrates the integration of migrants into the "15-minute city" model, improving access to services. In all cities, intercultural networks and support programmes, such as language training and political guidance, facilitate the participation and integration of different communities. Overall, these networks constitute a consistent, evidence-based approach to local inclusion.
According to the Commission, Cypriot cities are developing additional integration initiatives by 2030, integrating cultural and social actions into broader urban development strategies, with the aim of enhancing the participation of migrant communities in the public and cultural space.
