International, Governmental and non-governmental services for asylum-seekers and refugees
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 359043
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday – Friday | 08:00 – 16:00
Location: United Nations Protected Area | 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 Service
The Asylum Service of the Deputy Ministry of Migration 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 | Map
Telephone: +357 22308501, +357 22308505
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mip.gov.cy/mip/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 804233
Limassol
223 Franklin Roosevelt, Zakaki, 2nd floor
Tel: 25 805210
Pafos
Corner Kaningos and Eleftheriou Venizelou, Nicolaou Court, 2nd floor
Tel: 26 806222
Paralimni
31 G. Papadopoulou Street, 5282 Paralimni
Tel: 23 803286
Anti-trafficking Police Unit
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.
Hotline: Call 1497
Email: [email protected]
For more information see this informational leaflet for victims of exploitation and human trafficking issued by the Public Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus.
Telephone: 22 808063, 22 808064, 22 808369, 22 808280
Employment
The Republic of Cyprus Refugee Law provides that you can exercise your right to work after nine months 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
See here for Lakatamia, Latsia, Solea / Evrichou Labour Offices
Pafos
1 Ayiou Spyridonos Street, 8021
Tel: 26 821658
See here for Polis Chrysochous Labour Office
Limassol
80 Franklin Roosevelt Avenue
Tel: 25 827350
See here for Ypsonas and Eastern Limassol Labour Offices
Larnaca
Philios Tsigarides Street
Tel: 24 805333
See here for Aradippou Local Labour Office
Dherynia
49 Acropoleos Street
Tel: 23 812052
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:
Lakatamia (Nicosia Area)
23 Kennedy, 2314 Lakatamia
Tel: 22 608400
Limassol
80 Franklin Roosevelt
Tel: 25 804539
Larnaca
54 Agioi Anargiroi Avenue, 6301 Larnaca
Tel: 24 821080
Pafos
17 Nikou Nikolaididi
Tel: 26 821600
Paralimni
170, 1st April Street
Tel: 23 811720
Guaranteed Minimum Income Services (GMI) / YDEP
If you are an International Protection Beneficiary entitled to receive Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI), you may visit the IDEP office to submit your application and supporting documents.
Address: 46 Themistokli Dervi, 1066 Nicosia
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 1450
Fax: 22 803048
Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP)
If you are an International Protection Beneficiary, you may need to visit the Citizens’ Service Centres in relation to GMI and other related benefits.
Call 22 309100 or click here for the contact details of the Citizens’ Service Centres in the various districts of Cyprus.
District Administration Offices
You may need to visit your local district administration office to issue birth certificates. For more information about the District Administration Offices and to book an appointment or contact the relevant office in your district, visit the website of the District Administration Offices.
Ministry of Health
As an asylum-seeker, you are entitled to a Medical Card after the first year from the date of submission of your application for interntional protection in order to be accepted at the Public Hospitals.
Medical Cards are issued by the Ministry of Health at their headquarters in Nicosia.
In order to apply for your Medical Card, you should submit the necessary documents in person to the Ministry of Health, or send them by email to this address: [email protected] to receive your Medical Card by post. All required documents should be attached in your email and must be readable.
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: 23 Ezekia Papaioannou, Marathea Court 9, 5th Floor, 1075 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 CyBC Avenue, 2120 Aglantzia, Nicosia
Tel: 22 427717
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://cmec.com.cy/en/
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) & Associations providing services to refugees, subsidiary protection beneficiaries and asylum-seekers
ACCEPT LGBTQI Cyprus
ACCEPT LGBTQI Cyprus is an NGO that promotes and supports respect for human rights, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, colour, ethnicity, religion, age, disability or any other trait. ACCEPT LGBTQI Cyprus advocates for acceptance, self-acceptance, equality, equity, and simultaneously harmonizing on an equal basis the Cypriot society with issues concerning the LGBTIQ+ community.
Tel: 99 812343
Email: [email protected]
FB: https://www.facebook.com/acceptCyprus
Website: https://accept.cy/home/
AGAPI Cyprus
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 provides food and clothes to 200 families monthly. They also offer free language, sewing, computer, and arts & crafts lessons.
AGAPI Cyprus offers immediate material assistance, including provision of food, baby items, clothes, household items, as well as practical guidance, signposting and support for social inclusion.
More information: AGAPI Cyprus
Address: 62 Athanasiou Diakou, Limassol 3032
Tel: 25 212221, 99 774461
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.agapi.org.cy
All4Aid Community Centre (formerly the OASIS)
The All4Aid Community Centre – formerly the OASIS Community Centre – is located in the town centre of Larnaca.
There are various community support programmes for refugees and asylum-seekers in Cyprus offered at the All4Aid Centre, including: Mothers & Babies Care Programme; Food Bank Programme; Shop Programme; Public Health Education & Language Classes Programme; Craft Programme.
All4Aid offers food items; non-food items (clothes, kitchenware, bedding); English & Greek classes; “Women of Worth” skills program in craft-making & sewing; psychosocial support; public health support; support to mothers-to-be with baby packages, baby clothes, hygiene items and baby car seats and guidance on maternal and infant health.
Address: 1 Archepiskopou Leontiou, Larnaca 6021
Tel: 24002266 | WhatsApp: 96 933018
Email: [email protected]
More info: https://all4aid.org/larnaca-cyprus/ | https://www.facebook.com/All4AidCyprus/
Caritas Cyprus
Caritas Cyprus provides administrative support and humanitarian assistance to migrants and refugees (including guidance and practical help with applications, information provision and cultural mediation), healthcare support, psycho-social support, language classes, clothing, and, if needed, food provision as well as and opportunities for integration, including language classes and social gatherings.
Address: 8 Saint Maron Street, Flat 4, Pafos Gate, Nicosia 1010
Tel: 22 662606 | 99 601260 (English, French, and Greek) | 99 476101 (Arabic)
Fax: +357 22662656
E-mail:[email protected]
Website: www.caritascyprus.org | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaritasCyprus/
Caritas Pafos
Caritas Pafos is a small group of volunteers who respond to needs with food and clothing.
Tel: 97 735025
Cyprus Red Cross Society
The Cyprus Red Cross Society offers material support (food, clothes, wheelchairs, crutches, disability beds); psychological support (in Nicosia, Pafos & Limassol); support with restoring family links and seminars on psychological first aid.
Address: 3 Kypriakou Erythrou Stavrou Street, 2063 Strovolos, Nicosia
Tel: 22 504400
Fax: 22 666956
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.redcross.org.cy | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyprusredcross/
In Limassol: 119a Agias Filaxeos, 3087 Limassol | Phone: 25 355104
In Larnaca: 4 Griva Digeni Street, 6010 Larnaca. Call first to book an appointment: 24 655080
Cyprus Refugee Council (CyRC)
Cyprus Refugee Council (CyRC) is UNHCR’s partner NGO, and provides free legal advice, social counselling and psychological support to asylum-seekers and refugees in Cyprus. CyRC is able to provide specialised support and advice free of charge on a variety of issues, including asylum procedure, access to the labour market, social and health services, family reunification, and other issues. Psychological support is offered to victims of violence.
CyRC also manages the HelpRefugeesWork platform that supports international protection beneficiaries to search for and find employment.
Address: 9 Stasandrou Street, Flat 401, 1060 Nicosia
Tel: 22 205959 | Fax: 22 205960
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://cyrefugeecouncil.org/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyrefugeecouncil/ | https://www.facebook.com/HelpRefugeesWork
Cyprus Stop Trafficking
Cyprus Stop Trafficking is a humanitarian organisation that provides assistance to victims of trafficking.
Telephone Hotline (WhatsApp / Viber): 96 110270
Information Line: 22 771063 or 22 750108
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cystoptrafficking/
Address: 9 Ilioupoleos 1101, Nicosia
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.
Dignity Market: Free shop providing food and hygiene items
Helpdesk Assistance: Support with essential bureaucratic processes including: Labour Card applications/ renewals and CV creation/updates; CY Login registration and Medical Card applications; opening a bank account and Tax number applications.
Information Hub: Community space with guidance on services and activities provided by other NGOs and government departments.
Address: 17 Perikleous Street, 1010 Nicosia | Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00
Telephone: 99 173967
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DignityCentreNicosia
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. Services include: Foster care services; Children’s House for cases of child sexual abuse; Free counselling for children and parents/guardians.
Helplines:
24-Hour Hotline for missing children: 116000
European Child & Youth Helpline: 116 111
24-Hour Helpline for children and guardians: 1466
Address: 46 Griva Digeni Avenue, Cosmos Tower, 5th Floor, 1080 Nicosia
Tel: 22 103234
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: Konstantinou Palaiologou 48, Nicosia 1015, Cyprus
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.
More information on Kofinou We Care – Volunteers’ Support
The Learning Refuge
The Learning Refuge located in Pafos is a volunteer-run community centre that supports refugees and asylum-seekers in Cyprus. They offer educational and family-oriented activities, as well as support to families through donations including food, children’s items, clothes and furniture.
Address: 30 Alexandrou Papagou Avenue, 8027 Pafos, Cyprus
Telephone: 99 595385
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learningrefuge/
Migrant Information Centers - MiHUB
The MiHUB Migrant Information Centers offer free legal counselling on asylum- and migration-related issues; mental health and wellbeing support and guidance; advice regarding health services and medical card; career counselling and employment support; Greek and English language learning opportunities; housing assistance; formal / vocational education and training opportunities; intercultural and social integration activities.
Main Telephone across Cyprus: 77787040
Operating Hours: Sunday-Friday 09:00-17:00 and closed on Saturdays, by appointment
Web: www.mihub.eu | https://www.facebook.com/MihubCy/
Email: [email protected]
Nicosia District
Adddress: 4-6 Ploutarchou St., 1010 Nicosia
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 94 099683 (Legal Advisor) / 94 099684 (Psychologist)
Limassol District
Address: 232 Archepiskopou Leontiou A’ Avenue, 3022 Limassol
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 94 098872 (Legal Advisor) / 94 098873 (Social Worker)
Larnaca District
Address: 12 Victoros Hugo St., 6023 Larnaca
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 94 098875 (Legal Advisor) / 94 098876 (Social Advisor)
Pafos District
Address: 28B Gladstonos St., 8046 Pafos
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 94 097468 (Social Worker) / 94 097467 (Psychologist)
Famagusta District
Address: 44 Eleftherias Ave., 5380 Deryneia
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 94 097431 (Social Advisor) / 94 097432 (Psychologist)
Mission Solidarity CY
Mission Solidarity CY is a grassroots non-profit dedicated to standing in solidarity and empowering vulnerable and marginalized social groups through humanitarian assistance, education & empowerment, civic engagement and advocacy.
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +357 96076646
Web: https://missionsolidarity.org/ | Facebook
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.
Step Up Stop Slavery
An NGO that works to disrupt trafficking and modern slavery through multi-disciplinary collaboration, trauma-informed education and survivor support.
Tel: 96 674212 | www.facebook.com/stepupstop
Wellspring Association
Wellspring Association in Limassol offers individual support for survivors of human trafficking, asylum seekers, refugees and women from otherwise vulnerable backgrounds.
More info: http://www.wellspringcyprus.com | www.facebook.com/wellspringcyprus