The first five of the remaining 82 Syrian refugees who stayed at the reception centre `Pournara` at Kokkinotrimithia region of Nicosia were transferred today to the Kophinou centre for asylum seekers at Larnaca district.
The Pournara camp first opened its doors to the migrants who fled from war-torn Syria aboard an unseaworthy fishing boat that sent a distress signal as was caught in rough seas 55 nautical miles south of the coastal city of Paphos, on 25 September 2014. Originally, the camp hosted 337 migrants, however those who have not yet decided their next steps remain at the camp. The camp is expected to close today.
In statements to journalists, Deputy Director of Civil Defense Ioannis Avlonitis said that for now there are 82 people at the camp but half of them will submit an application for political asylum and thus be transferred to Kophinou.
He added that yesterday 11 people were transferred to Kophinou while today the Cypriot authorities began procedures for the transportation of the refugees who placed an application today. The remaining refugees who refused to apply for asylum or for a six months temporary residence are considered illegal.
He pointed out that two weeks ago the services provided by the authorities to the refugees were suspended.
“Our main concern is to provide the families with all facilities in an other place”, he concluded.
The migrants that included children, women and men, all Syrian and Palestinian residents of Syria had sailed from Latakia port in Syria. The boat had sent out a distress signal and cruise ship `Filoxenia` had approached the vessel and allowed the immigrants to go on board.
They disembarked at Limassol Port, where they underwent medical checks.
The Asylum Services, Civil Defence, Police, Social Welfare Services, and medical staff, immediately gathered at the Kokkinotrimithia reception area and arrangements were made for temporary housing and medical treatment. The refugees underwent medical examinations, vaccinations, were given food, accommodation while provisions were made for the children to receive schooling in the reception area.
The migrants gave their details and all procedures set out by the EU and international law were observed. From their first statements, it became apparent that Cyprus was not their final destination.
Refugees were given two choices, either to apply for asylum and be transported to the Kophinou centre for asylum seekers or to apply for a temporary residence permit in Cyprus.
Many of them are transferred to Kophinou, five minors were placed under the care of the Welfare Department, others departed from Cyprus to the destination choice and others obtained temporary residence permit and moved to rented accommodation.
