International Protection

International protection is a set of rights recognize to third country nationals or stateless persons who are in Cyprus and are granted refugee status or subsidiary protection.

This is in accordance with the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the status of refugees and the related 1967 Protocol

You might qualify as a refugee, if you cannot, or do not want to return to your country because you are afraid of being persecuted due to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group, (e.x. gender)

You might qualify as a person eligible for subsidiary protection, if you cannot, or do not want to return to your country because you are afraid you will suffer serious harm, such as: - Torture, or inhuman, or degrading treatment, or punishment; Death penalty or execution; Serious and systematic human rights abuses; Threat to your life, security, or freedom, because of indiscriminate violence in armed conflicts, or massive violations of human rights;

If you entered Cyprus Irregularly you must present to the authorities without undue delay. Your illegal entry in Cyprus does not prevent you from applying for international protection.

Your procedure starts by expressing the will to apply at any of the designated locations in the Republic of Cyprus, namely - Asylum Service 70 Arch Makarios III Ave.,1077 Nicosia - Civil Registry and Migration Department At every legal entry point Chilonos, 1457 Nicosia - Larnaca Airport Paphos Airport All sea ports

You must apply with all family members accompanying you as soon as you arrive in Cyprus. If you are already in Cyprus, you must apply as soon as possible.

You must go in person to the Aliens and Immigration

After you have expressed your will, either the same day, or in an appointment date, you will be asked to present yourself to officially register and lodge your application directly at Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police of your district of residence.

If your entry in the Republic of Cyprus was irregular, you will be escorted to the First Reception Center, such as the FRC at Pournara , where your application will be registered and lodged.

Both the application form, as well as its submission is FREE OF CHARGE.

Your accompanying minor children will be included in your application and all decisions taken in relation to your international protection application will apply to them.

The fact that you asked for asylum in Cyprus does not guarantee that your application will be examined here. The country that will examine your application for international protection is established by the Dublin Regulation which is a European law determining which EU Member State is responsible for your application.

You can reside and move freely in the areas which are under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus

You are allowed to medical care on the basis of your annual income, on the same basis as for Cypriot citizens.

Minor applicants for international protection and/or minor children of applicants have access to public education institutions.

You can apply for a job one month after the date of your application. You can be legally enrolled only in some specific categories: agriculture/livestock/fishing/animal shelters and hotels; manufacture/processing; waste management; trade/repairs; provision of services; food industry; restaurants/recreation centers; hotels; other activities.

If you do not have personal resources for accommodation, you can be entitled to stay in a reception center and/or receive special assistance.

You must not leave Cyprus without the permission of the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

You can contact the Asylum Service Asylum Service- Ministry of Interior 70, Arch. Makariou III Ave., Afemia House, 1077 Nicosia Tel.: 22445265, 22445272, 22445245 For more information: www.moi.gov.cy/asylum

You DO NOT NEED a lawyer to submit an application for international protection. You have a right, however, to have a lawyer during all stages of the asylum procedure.

If you are an unaccompanied minor, which means you are under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult (family) person responsible for you, Social Welfare Services will act as your representative and guardian through the whole asylum procedure