Breaking news

Deputy Migration Minister: Cyprus ready to face migration challenges

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 26, 2024

The readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to address the complex challenges related to migration, always within the framework of international and European law, was highlighted during meetings held in Athens by the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nikolas Ioannides.

According to a press release, circulated by the Press and Information Office (PIO) on Wednesday, the Deputy Minister met on September 19 with the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, and the Deputy Minister, Sofia Voultepsi. Also attending the meeting from the Greek side were the General Secretary of Migration Policy, Manos Logothetis, and the Head of the Asylum Service, Marios Kaleas.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

The Cypriot delegation, included the Director-General of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, Neofytos Papadopoulos and the Head of the Asylum Service, Andreas Georgiades.

The two delegations examined the recent developments in EU countries and the new challenges arising in relation to migration. They agreed on the need for close cooperation through the operation of technical committees and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure better management of shared challenges.

Discussions also focused on the implementation of the provisions of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the Greek model for managing unaccompanied minors, and the need to exploit potential synergies in tackling smuggling networks in collaboration with FRONTEX and other countries. Additionally, they discussed issues related to the management and effective integration of legal migrants.

The press release also said that the Deputy Minister met with the Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Greece, Sanja Celebic Lukovac, and the former Head of IOM Greece and current Regional Emergency Coordinator, Gianluca Rocco (via teleconference).

The two officials expressed understanding of the challenges and concerns posed by the increased migration flows to Cyprus and recognized that the Republic of Cyprus is a model in voluntary returns, ranking first in the EU in terms of returns relative to its population, the press release says.

The Deputy Minister thanked the IOM officials for their support and determination in managing the multiple challenges and requested their mediation to hold Turkey accountable, particularly regarding the arrival of migrants in the Buffer Zone via Turkey and the occupied areas.

Ioannides also met with the Head of the Greece Sector in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, Aristides Psarras. They discussed, among other topics, the re-evaluation of areas in Syria to classify them as safe zones and issues concerning the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The press release said that during the meeting, the crucial role of Cyprus in safeguarding the EU’s external borders was highlighted, and the need for practical solidarity among member states was emphasised. Dr. Ioannides pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus looks forward to the support of its partners in protecting the state’s interests, fully respecting the provisions of international and European law.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

€50 Million Luxury Resort Planned For Ayia Napa

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 22, 2026

Ayia Napa could strengthen its position in the premium tourism market with a proposed €50 million mixed-use resort combining a hotel, serviced apartments, luxury bungalows and a beach club.

Aesara Investments Ltd has submitted an information form to the Department of Environment for a development to operate under the name Atlantica Wavemaster Hospitality. The project is planned for the Limnara area of Ayia Napa, along the coast south of Kryou Nerou Avenue, between the town centre and Cape Greco.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Hotel, Apartments And Luxury Bungalows

The proposed resort will include a 324-room hotel with capacity for 648 guests, alongside a condo-hotel building containing 20 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Facilities are planned to include restaurants, bars, cafés, a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, shops, a multipurpose hall, a children’s club and a cinema.

A further 33 three-level luxury bungalows, each designed for two guests and featuring a private swimming pool, are planned for the southern part of the site. A beach club with a restaurant and an outdoor pool complex covering more than 6,300 square metres will also form part of the development.

The project includes 321 parking spaces, including 12 for people with disabilities, and 14,196 square metres of landscaped green space featuring local plant species.

Seasonal Hotel Operations And Year-Round Residences

The hotel is expected to operate from March to November, with peak occupancy during the summer season. The condo-hotel apartments, meanwhile, will be available for sale or long-term rental and intended for year-round residence. Owners and tenants will also have access to the resort’s facilities, including its pools, restaurants and fitness areas.

Construction is expected to take 24 months once the required permits are secured. At the busiest stage, the project could employ around 100 workers per day.

Environmental Restrictions Near Cape Greco

The site’s proximity to protected Natura 2000 areas has prompted strict environmental requirements. The Cape Greco Special Protection Area borders the site to the south, while a Special Area of Conservation lies approximately 50 metres away.

Conditions imposed by the Department of Environment include a maximum building height of five floors, or 18.5 metres, and restrictions on permanent structures near the coastline. The project must also use spider-web type glazing and low-intensity lighting to minimise disturbance to local birdlife.

According to the project’s consultants, the design has been prepared to comply with the environmental conditions and the final report on cumulative impacts for the Cape Greco Special Protection Area. The hotel and apartment building are positioned in the central and northern parts of the plot, away from the shoreline.

Within the designated no-build zone, located 40 metres from the boundary of the beach protection zone, only swimming pools are planned. The consultants state that these are not expected to affect protected species in the area.