THE GOVERNMENT will intensify its efforts migration management programme by offering free Greek lessons to refugees and asylum seekers with a temporary residence permit, Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis said yesterday.
The lessons, which are being offered by the Cyprus Labour Institute (INEK-PEO) and the School of Modern Greek at the University of Cyprus, will be held in urban and rural areas all over the country, a deviation from previous free lessons offered by the University in the capital only.
“The practical way to freedom is by learning the language of the people where [refugees and asylum seekers] are living,” said Michalis Pieris, a professor at the University of Cyprus and head of the University’s School of Modern Greek. “The university has to help and we are ready to help to teach the language,” he said.
The Greek lessons are part of a government effort to “manage migratory flows in a way that will contribute to rational development of the country while respecting the principles and values of equality and solidarity, as well as fully respecting the human rights of all people living and working in Cyprus, irrespective of race, religion, colour, culture and cultural roots,” said Sylikiotis.
Sylikiotis said that the effort to create a more comprehensive migration policy is based on two strategies, the first focusing on Cyprus’s “active and constructive participation in decision-making in the EU,” and the second on national-level efforts to formulate an immigration policy “that respects the human rights of migrants, ensures equal treatment, and aids their recovery in the right way.”
“The successful integration of migrants into local communities is an essential component of ensuring social cohesion to effectively tackle xenophobia and racism,” he added.
The courses are being financed by the European Integration Fund – 75 per cent – and the Republic of Cyprus – 25 percent. According to Sylikiotis, funds allocated to Cyprus for the implementation of integration programs have amounted to approximately €48 million between 2007 and 2013.
Of that €48 million, the Integration Fund provided €7,292,105, the External Borders Fund €20,594,016, the European Refugee Fund €10,722,178 and the Return Fund €8,500,682.
- Interested persons must apply for the programme by filling out an application form available at the Cyprus Labour Institute and returning it to the Institute in person or by fax (22-877671) or email ([email protected]). Prospective applicants can also apply by calling the Institute directly at 22-877673 for Nicosia, 25-443000 for Limassol, 24-828740 for Larnaka, 26-932144 for Paphos, 26-321094 for Polis Chrysochous and 23-821940 for Paralimni. Courses will begin this summer.
