Less asylum seekers and illegal immigrants apply to Cyprus

Page last updated at 04:05 GMT, Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 09:05 EST

CNA - Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis has said that Cyprus ranks fifth among EU countries as regards the number of asylum seekers and illegal immigrants applying to the authorities.

In statements at Larnaca airport on his departure for Copenhagen, Sylikiotis noted that the recent census held in Cyprus has shown that the vast majority of foreign nationals in Cyprus come from other EU countries while citizens from third countries constitute one third of all foreign citizens on the island.

He said that the vast majority of citizens from third countries work as house maids or in companies with international activities. Sylikiotis noted that this shows that citizens from third countries do not take up jobs from the locals.

He noted that according to data from the Aliens and Immigration Department, Cyprus is not an attractive destination for immigrants any longer, noting that due to policies implemented during the past few years there was a vast decrease of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers influx from Cyprus` northern Turkish occupied areas.