More than 300 immigrants, from the 345 rescued by the Cypriot authorities from a sinking boat off Paphos, are living in the shelter Kokkinotrimithia, while only six people have applied for asylum from the Republic of Cyprus.
According to reliable sources of CNA, the six people who have applied for asylum, the three are unaccompanied under-age persons. Other seven unaccompanied under-age persons, who are among the 345, refuse to seek for asylum. Of the six people who are asylum seekers, only one has been transferred to the shelter of asylum seekers in Kofinou.
The sources told CNA that the goal of the most the immigrants is to leave Cyprus with a destination other European countries.
Only a small number of immigrants have left the special shelter in Kokkinotrimithia. All immigrants have been granted a temporary residence permit in Cyprus, and based on this, they have the right, for that time, to stay legally in Cyprus.
The Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus provide to the immigrants transit from the special shelter in Kokkinotrimithia to city center and back. So far, almost all of them that make use of the bus, return to the shelter.
Regarding health issues, the Ministry of Health operates a medical center in the shelter and so far, no serious medical incidents have occurred.
On September 26, 2014, the Cypriot authorities were alerted about the presence of a boat, full of people, off the coast of Paphos, on the west. All government services were mobilised and about 345 persons, including women and children, were rescued and taken to a reception centre where they were given shelter, food and clothing, in addition to medical care.