According to a newspaper report, it is stated that the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, in their complaint petitions, have presented evidence showing that 188 third-country nationals who came to the universities in North Cyprus with student visas immediately crossed to south Cyprus and applied for political asylum. It was stated that ENQA has initiated an investigation into whether these universities in the north of Cyprus are involved in human trafficking based on the complaints, arguing that the main factor in the problem of refugees, especially of African origin, crossing the Green Line is this situation.
According to the report, the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, in its statement, said: “In addition to some measures taken upon the identification that these individuals are being used by human trafficking organisations, initiatives are being made to apply pressure on Turkey within the framework of the items in the Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan“.
*As mentioned previously, authorities from the Republic of Cyprus have presented evidence that a number of third-country nationals, who entered the TRNC on student visas, crossed into the southern part of the island and applied for political asylum. This suggests that some individuals may be using the student visa route as a means to enter Cyprus and subsequently seek asylum in the EU-controlled south.
Investigations by ENQA: The European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) has reportedly initiated investigations into whether these universities are involved in human trafficking, which indicates that there are enough concerns and complaints to warrant a formal inquiry.
Reports from Media and NGOs: Various media outlets and non-governmental organisations have reported on the issue. For example, there have been claims that some students, particularly from African countries, are being brought to the TRNC under the guise of education but are actually being trafficked or used as a means to gain entry into the EU.
Statements from Authorities: Authorities in the Republic of Cyprus have made statements regarding the issue, highlighting measures taken to address it, such as applying pressure on Turkey and taking steps under the Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan.
Patterns of Asylum Applications: The pattern of individuals entering the TRNC on student visas and then crossing into the Republic of Cyprus to apply for asylum suggests that there may be organised efforts to exploit this route for immigration purposes. [Ed.]
