To begin with, we should mention that a beneficiary of international protection is a person who has been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection status.
You will have access to a wide range of rights, which are set out in the Cyprus Refugee Act:
– the right to transfer assets to the Republic of Cyprus
– the right to fair treatment regardless of sex, race and religion, membership of a particular social group, political opinion or country of nationality/origin
– the right to freely express and practise one’s religious beliefs
– the right to participate in social inclusion programmes
You will enjoy the same rights as Cypriot nationals such as:
– access to the general education system and further training or retraining programmes
– the right to recognition of foreign educational certificates, diplomas and degrees
– the right to free access to the courts of the Republic and exemption from the obligation to provide security for legal costs
– the right to food supplies in cases of emergency
– the right to the protection of intellectual property
– the right to participate in education
– special support (social and medical) for a vulnerable person
RESIDENCE PERMIT
What should I do after receiving international protection?
You will need to apply for a residence permit.
Refugees are granted a three-year residence permit which is renewable.
For beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status, a residence permit is issued for one year, renewable for as long as the status is maintained.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I entitled to health care services?
You are entitled to health care services under the same conditions that apply to Cypriot nationals. You should contact the Regional General Hospital or the nearest Health Centre for any further information.
Can my children go to school?
All minors have full access to all levels of education under the same conditions.
conditions as Cypriot citizens.
Can I travel? /Am I allowed to obtain a travel document?
Beneficiaries of international protection are allowed to travel. If you wish to travel, please check if you need a visa to enter another country. The legal gates of entry and exit from the Republic of Cyprus are the airports of Larnaca and Paphos and the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latium and Cyprus. Pafos, which are situated in the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
It shall be illegal to enter or leave the territory of the Republic of Cyprus through any other port or airport over which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control. A travel document (laissez passer) is issued to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status who are unable to obtain a national passport, which allows them to travel outside the Republic of Cyprus. Refugees can obtain refugee travel documents (under the Geneva Convention). This travel document is valid for all countries and expires at the end of the residence permit. The competent authority for issuing passports and travel documents is the civil registry office and Immigration Department.
Can I travel to my country of origin?
Travelling to your country of origin can trigger a procedure that may result in the withdrawal of your protection.
Can I bring my family to Cyprus?
Recognized refugees enjoy the right to family reunification.
Family members (refugee’s spouse, unmarried minor children and, in the case of an unaccompanied minor, first-degree relatives) of a refugee who were unable to accompany him/her at the time of his/her entry into the Republic may be reunited with him/her in the Republic if he/she so requests and the relationship between them is confirmed. The competent authority for examining family reunification is the Registry Office and Migration Department.
Can I work? /Where can I apply for a job?
You have the right to engage in paid or self-employed professional activities. You do not need any work permit. You must contact the employment office if you wish to find a job.
Am I entitled to a minimum guaranteed income (EEE)?
Any person whose income and other financial resources are not sufficient to meet their basic and special needs as defined by law may apply for a minimum guaranteed income, which is provided in the form of financial assistance and/or services.
POLITICS
Can I apply for Cypriot citizenship?
Anyone wishing to apply for citizenship must have at least 7 years of legal residence in the Republic or be married to a Cypriot citizen for a minimum period of 3 years. The department responsible for examining applications for citizenship is the Department of Civil Registry and Immigration Department.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
We can assist you in all the procedures required to apply for an Immigration Certificate / Residence Permit in Cyprus depending on the category you fall under, Yellow Slip, obtaining Cypriot Nationality and applying for Family Reunification.
