More than 48,000 residence permits have been granted for foreign employees and their families between 2023 and August 2024, demonstrating a significant trend in migration to Cyprus.
- More than 48,000 residence permits have been granted for foreign employees and their families between 2023 and August 2024, demonstrating a significant trend in migration to Cyprus.
Residence permits: Majority of Permits Issued to Russians
The statistics, presented by the deputy ministry of migration to the cabinet on Wednesday, reveal that a staggering 33,517 of these permits were awarded to Russian citizens. This figure represents a clear majority of the overall total, underscoring the ongoing migration patterns from Russia to Cyprus.
Other Nationalities Represented
Ukrainians follow with 3,504 permits, while Belarussians received 2,713. Israelis were granted 1,957 permits, with notable contributions from India and Lebanon, each exceeding 1,000 permits. The UK saw just over 300 permits issued, indicating a smaller, yet significant, presence.
Family Reunification as a Key Factor
Among the total permits, family reunification plays a pivotal role, with 25,053 permits issued to family members of foreign employees, including partners and children. This reflects Cyprus’s commitment to facilitating family unity for those relocating for work.
Dependent Visitor Permits and Diverse Family Structures
Additionally, 2,162 residence permits were allocated under the “dependent visitor” category, catering to a variety of family structures. This includes stepchildren, non-wedded partners, and couples in marriages not recognised by Cypriot law, such as same-sex partnerships formed abroad.
Political Inquiry and Transparency
The data was released in response to a query from Volt MP Alexandra Attalidou, highlighting the government’s transparency regarding migration statistics. This inquiry illustrates the increasing scrutiny of migration policies in the region.
Leave a Reply