UNHCR Country Office in Cyprus
The UNHCR Country Office in Cyprus works with the Government as well as with NGOs and other partners to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers. For more information about the services offered by UNHCR in Cyprus, see About UNHCR in Cyprus.
You can contact UNHCR for information and advice, or to request an appointment with a UNHCR officer, by phone or e-mail.
Tel: +357 22 359057
Fax: +357 22 359037
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday – Friday | 08:00 – 16:00
Location: 2 Polyviou Demetracopoulou Street (corner Prodromou Street), 1090 Nicosia | Map
Website: www.unhcr.org/cy
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 25577, 1310 Nicosia, Cyprus
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @UNHCRCyprus | Visit our YouTube page.
Government Services
Asylum
The Asylum Service of the Ministry of Interior is the competent authority to receive and examine asylum applications. Decisions of the Asylum Service not to grant asylum can be subject to appeals.
Address: 70 Arch. Makariou III Avenue, Afemia House, 1077 Nicosia
Telephone: 22 445245
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/asylum/asylumservice.nsf/
District Immigration Police Offices
To make an application for asylum you will need to go to your local District Immigration Police Office.
For more information about procedures for seeking asylum in Cyprus, see our section on The Asylum Process.
District Immigration Police Offices are located as follows:
Nicosia
6 Agamemnonos Street, Engomi 2411
Tel: 22 802353
Larnaca
75 Piale Pasa, 6027 Makenzie Avenue
Tel: 24 804242
Limassol
223 Franklin Roosevelt, Zakaki, 2nd floor
Tel: 25 805200
Pafos
Corner Kaningos and Eleftheriou Venizelou, Nicolaou Court, 2nd floor
Tel: 26 806200
Dherynia
83 Eleftherias Street, Tatolos Building, 1st floor
Tel: 23 803289
Anti-trafficking
Cyprus Police – Office of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings
If you are the victim of human trafficking, or have information to report on a case of human trafficking, you are advised to report to this office of the Cyprus Police.
Telephone: 22 808063, 22 808573, 22 808552
For more information, click here.
Cyprus Stop Trafficking
Cyprus Stop Human Trafficking is an NGO that provides aid and assistance victims of human trafficking.
Information Line: 22 771063 or 22 750108
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.cyprusstoptrafficking.webs.com / www.facebook.com/cyprus.stop.trafficking/
Wellspring Association
Wellspring Association in Limassol offers individual support for survivors of human trafficking, asylum seekers, refugees and women from otherwise vulnerable backgrounds.
For more information, visit their website: www.wellspringcyprus.com
Employment
The Republic of Cyprus Refugee Law provides that you can exercise your right to work after one month from the date you applied for asylum in Cyprus. To do so, you will need to register at your local District Labour Office. Click here for more information about your rights and duties as an asylum-seeker.
District Labour Offices are located as follows:
Nicosia
3 Mousiou Street
Tel: 22 403000
Pafos
Ayiou Spyridonos Street
Tel: 26 821658
Limassol
80 Franklin Roosevelt Avenue
Tel: 25 827350
Larnaca
Philios Tsigarides Street
Tel: 24 805312
Polis Chrysochous
1 Arsinoes and Timohari Street
Tel: 26 322409
Dherynia
49 Acropoleos Street
Tel: 23 812052
Labour offices are also located in the following suburbs and villages:
Aglantzia, Lakatamia, Latsia, Ypsonas, Eastern Limassol, Agros, and Aradippou
HelpRefugeesWork Online Platform
HelpRefugeesWork is an online platform that brings motivated job-seeking refugees into contact with employers and training providers in Cyprus. HelpRefugeesWork is an initiative of the UNHCR Office in Cyprus, in collaboration with the Cyprus Refugee Council.
All services provided by HelpRefugeesWork are free of charge.
Social Assistance
As an asylum-seeker you will be entitled to certain benefits, including material and accommodation assistance. For more information you will need to visit your local District Welfare Office. Click here for more information about your rights and duties as an asylum-seeker.
Main District Welfare Offices are located as follows:
Nicosia – NOTE: For social welfare assistance in the Nicosia area, the department assisting asylum-seekers and refugees has moved from Kaimakli and is now located in Lakatamia at the following address:
Lakatamia (Nicosia Area)
23 Kennedy, 2314 Lakatamia
Tel: 22 608400
Limassol
80 Franklin Roosevelt
Tel: 25 804535
Larnaca
23-25 Piliou
Tel: 24 800101
Pafos
28 Aristoteli Valaoriti & Kinira
Tel: 26 306240
Paralimni
134, 1st April Street
Tel: 23 811720
Evrychou
11 Griva Digeni
Tel: 22 870582
Please see the Social Welfare Services website for additional district Social Welfare Offices in different areas of the island.
Independent Supervisory Bodies
The Ombudsman
Office of the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights
The Ombudsman is an institution defending human rights, with multiple roles and responsibilities in relation to the preservation, protection and promotion of human rights in the Cypriot state and society.
You may contact the Commissioner if you believe:
- A public agency or a public officer handled a case of yours in an unjust manner or in contrast to the laws or to the principles of administrative law or has unjustifiably delayed to respond to your request.
- A public or private body has mistreated you because of your gender, race, ethnicity, the community you belong to, your language, colour, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, political or other beliefs.
- Any of your rights is violated (e.g. access to employment, education, health) due to disability
Any individual can submit a complaint to the Ombudsman, or complaints may also be submitted by any legal entity or organisation on behalf of the individual.
The Commissioner will decide whether any action or intervention on his/ her behalf is required, depending on the subject and the severity of your report.
Address: Era House, Diagorou 2, 1097 Nicosia
Tel: 22 405500 or 22405501
Fax: 22 672881
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ombudsman.gov.cy
The Commissioner for Children’s Rights
The Commissioner for Children’s Rights is an independent institution which deals exclusively with the rights of the child and whose competences and obligations are prescribed by law.
The mission of the Commissioner is to protect and promote the rights of the child; her role is to represent children and their interests at all levels.
The Commissioner studies individual complaints with the aim of evaluating the existing legislation, policies, procedures and practices and deciding whether these violate the rights of the child. In such cases she proceeds with an intervention where she deems appropriate.
Address: Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Vyzantiou 5, Spyrides Tower, 1st Floor, 2064, Nicosia
Tel: 22 873200
Fax: 22 872365
Ε-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.childcom.org.cy
Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police
The Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police investigates allegations and signed complaints filed in writing:
(a) by post
(b) personally at the offices of the Authority
(c) by fax to 22872413
(d) via e-mail at [email protected]
(d) through the Authority’s website by completing the Complaint Form.
For more information:
Address: Sahtouri 14-16, Office 302, 1080 Nicosia
Tel: 22 872412
Fax: 22 872413
Website: www.iaiacap.gov.cy
Email: [email protected]
The Cyprus Media Complaints Commission
The Cyprus Media Complaints Commission is an independent press council, responsible for the self-regulation of the news media, both written and electronic.
If you have read an offensive article or heard an offensive reportage in the media, you can submit a complaint either electronically, using e-mail or via the website of the CMMC, or by writing to the CMMC. You do not need a lawyer in order to file a complaint, but if you feel you need the services of a lawyer you can make your complaint through one of your choice.
For more information:
Cyprus Media Complaints Commission, 12 RIK Avenue, 2120 Aglantzia, Nicosia
Tel: 22 427717
Fax: 22 427747
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.cmcc.org.cy/home.html
Non-Governmental Organisations & Associations
AGAPI
AGAPI is a voluntary organisation in Limassol that supports people in need, including refugees and asylum-seekers in Cyprus. The group operates a Migrant Centre and a Charity Shop in Limassol and provide food and clothes to 200 families monthly. They also offer free language, sewing, computer, and arts & crafts lessons.
For more information, click here.
Association of Recognized Refugees (Cyprus)
The Association of Recognized Refugees aims to identify refugees in Cyprus and provide a platform in which they can practice their skills and also most important to be a useful person for Cypriot society.
For more information, click here.
Caritas Cyprus
Caritas provides humanitarian assistance to migrants and refugees including the management of two emergency shelters, the distribution of clothing and food, and transportation and referrals to health and mental health services. Caritas also provides guidance through the asylum-procedures, administrative assistance, legal advice, and opportunities for integration, including language classes and social gatherings.
These services are accessed through two drop-in Migrant Centres located in Nicosia and Larnaca, as well as an educational support centre called The Learning Refuge located in Pafos.
Address: 8 Saint Maron Street, Flat 4, Pafos Gate, Nicosia 1010, Cyprus
Tel: 22 662606
E-mail:[email protected]
Website: www.caritascyprus.org
Cyprus Red Cross Society
The Cyprus Red Cross Society offers humanitarian assistance and support as well as medical, psychosocial and other services to vulnerable migrants.
Address: 3 Kypriakou Erythrou Stavrou Street, 2063 Strovolos, Nicosia
Tel: 22 666955
Fax: 22 666956
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.redcross.org.cy
Cyprus Refugee Council (CyRC)
Cyprus Refugee Council (CyRC) is UNHCR’s partner, and provides free legal and social advice to asylum-seekers and refugees in the Republic of Cyprus. CyRC provides advice on the asylum procedure, access to the labour market, social and health services, family reunification, and other issues. Psychological support is offered to victims of violence.
Address: 9 Stasandrou Street, Flat 401, 1060 Nicosia
Tel: 22 205959
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://cyrefugeecouncil.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyrefugeecouncil/
Cyprus Stop Trafficking
Cyprus Stop Trafficking is a humanitarian organisation that provides aid and assistance to victims of trafficking.
Telephone Hotline: 97 853767
Information Line: 22 771063 or 22 750108
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://cyprusstoptrafficking.com/
Dignity Centre Nicosia
The Dignity Centre Nicosia, run by Refugee Support Europe, is a community centre for refugees and people seeking asylum. Established in 2019, it offers stability, routine and a space of solidarity and welcome, where people can reclaim their agency and take the next step. At the Dignity Market, new arrivals can choose food and hygiene items just like a normal shopping experience. Additionally, the Dignity Centre provides practical support, including help with bureaucratic procedures, such as opening a bank account, accessing the job market and assistance with writing their CVs. The Dignity Centre also offer comprehensive assistance to help people navigate and access other services.
Address: 17 Perikleous Street, Nicosia 1010, Cyprus
Telephone: 99 173967
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X (formerly Twitter)
Website: The Dignity Centre Nicosia
Hope For Children (HFC)
HFC works for promoting and protecting the rights of children, including unaccompanied children and minors who reside in Cyprus.
Address: 75 Limassol Avenue, 2nd Floor, Office 201, 2121 Nicosia,
Tel: 22 103234
Fax: 22 104021
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.uncrcpc.org
Generation for Change CY
Generation for Change CY (GFC) is a grassroots non-profit organisation composed of individuals of different backgrounds working together and striving for a diverse and inclusive society where everyone has equal access to opportunities in Cyprus. Generation for Change CY is committed to positive social change through supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities – including but not limited to persons of low socioeconomic status, refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and any persons facing discrimination. We seek to harness the power of diversity to advocate a fair and inclusive society. Some of Generation for Change CY’s services are language courses, employment and digital skills-related courses, an afterschool programme for children, food and other essential materials, sports, and cultural activities.
Address: Archepiskopou Makariou III, 28, 1065 Nicosia
Tel: 22 100794
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: Generation For Change CY | Facebook: @GenerationForChangeCY
KISA
KISA provides free information, support, advocacy and mediation services to migrants and refugees, as well as victims of trafficking and racism. KISA also offers pro bono (free of charge) legal representation in very specific cases.
Address: 2 Aristidou, 1015 Nicosia
Telephone: 22 878181
Fax: 22 773039
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.kisa.org.cy
Kofinou We Care - Volunteers' Support
This volunteer group is dedicated to helping the community of the Kofinou Reception Center through various actions and initiatives with other willing groups and individuals, including the mothers and babies room and the better organisation of the distribution center for donations.
For more information, click here.
Mi-HUB Migrant Information Centers
Mi-HUB helps vulnerable migrants, including asylum-seekers and refugees, across Cyprus feel protected, safe, informed and supported so that they are able to move forward with their lives. With offices in the four major towns, Mi-HUB staff can offer advice on a wide range of issues.
Website: www.mihub.eu
Telephone: 22 080350
Fax: 22 842222
Locations:
Nicosia
20 Aischylou & Platonos, 1503
Limassol
230 Agiou Andrea and Katsounotou, 3036
Larnaca
8 Apollonos Street, Christodoulides Court, 6016
Pafos
39 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, Cronos Center, Shop 1, 8021
Working hours
Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
OASIS
OASIS is a voluntary community group in Larnaca that supports refugees and asylum-seekers in Cyprus. They offer Greek language and English language classes for free, as well as food baskets on Mondays. In addition they have a Social Café meeting every Wednesday morning.
For more information, click here.
Saint Paul’s Anglican Church
Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Nicosia offers material and community support to individuals and families in need, including refugees and asylum-seekers.
For more information, click here.