The strengthening of controls and cooperation between the competent services to deal with phenomena of circumvention of the system by third-country nationals entering the Republic of Cyprus for study purposes, was discussed on Tuesday by the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicolas A. Ioannides, and the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athena Michaelidou.
During the meeting, which took place at the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection with the participation of representatives of the Pancyprian Association of Private Higher Education Institutions (PASISTE) and the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Cyprus (SAISTEK), issues related to the attendance of third-country nationals in higher education institutions were raised, with an emphasis on academic performance, their systematic presence and participation in the study programs, as well as cases of illegal employment, says an announcement by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection.
According to what was raised at the meeting, the Government supports the development of higher education and the attraction of students from third countries, as their presence contributes to the economy and strengthens the role of Cyprus as a regional educational center.
At the same time, it is found that in some cases persons who enter the Republic legally for the purpose of studies cease to meet the requirements of their residence permit, resulting in issues of illegal stay and employment.
As it was emphasized, these practices will not be tolerated, while the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth have already begun to examine the existing procedures, with the aim of identifying gaps and strengthening controls.
The aim is both to effectively manage cases that have already arisen and to prevent corresponding abuses before entering Cyprus.
In this context, it was underlined that the possibility of entering the Republic for study purposes must remain open to those who really wish to study and meet the prescribed conditions. Student status, however, cannot be used as a means of entering the country for a different purpose and subsequently lead to illegal residence and employment.
Emphasis was also placed on ensuring that the granting and maintenance of a residence permit for study purposes will be linked to real and consistent attendance, as well as to compliance with the conditions provided by law.
At the same time, ways to strengthen cooperation and exchange of information between the competent state services and educational institutions were examined, in order to detect and deal with cases of circumvention of the system in a timely manner, the announcement notes.
In addition, reference was made to the issue of illegal work of students from third countries, with the participants underlining the need for effective implementation of the prescribed controls, without affecting the right of students who meet the legal conditions to work within the framework set by the current legislation.
All participants agreed on the importance of close and continuous cooperation between the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth and private higher education institutions.
The common goal, as pointed out, is to continue attracting students from third countries in terms of quality, transparency and full compliance with the institutional framework, without jeopardizing the improved image of immigration.
CNA
