Lebanese Family with Six Children Stranded: Asylum Status Confusion

A Lebanese family with six minor children was left stranded, prompting a reaction from Parliament and questions regarding asylum procedures. The family arrived in Cyprus in 2022 and applied for asylum, which they withdrew and then reapplied. Ultimately, they joined the procedures for voluntary return, creating confusion.

The issue was discussed in the Human Rights Committee, with Eirini Charalambidou emphasizing the state's obligation to take responsibility. A Cypriot citizen hosted the family, who found themselves in a difficult situation, until a temporary housing solution was found.

Deputy Minister of Migration, Nikolas Ioannidis, stated that efforts are being made to protect the rights of asylum seekers. He explained that the family had initially joined a reintegration program in another country and then applied for voluntary repatriation to Lebanon. Due to a change of heart and miscommunication, the problem arose.

The Director-General of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, Giannis Nikolaidis, stated that the service provided financial assistance and arranged for the family to be accommodated in a hotel. However, there was disagreement as to whether the family had been left without food.

The Police, as stated by Petros Zenios, Deputy Commander of Operations of the Aliens and Immigration Service, had rescued and provided medical care to the family since 2022.

The Human Rights Committee requested a report on the incident from the competent services.