Ombudswoman reports on residence status difficulties for Belarusian minors in Cyprus

The Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights in Cyprus, Maria Stylianou-Lottidi, released a report on Thursday addressing the residence status of minor Belarusian nationals born in the Republic of Cyprus. The report follows a complaint filed by the 'Democratic Embassy of Belarus in Cyprus'. It highlights that these children are unable to obtain residence permits because the Belarusian government requires their physical presence in Belarus for passport issuance or renewal, a process often hindered by the current political situation in the country. Although the parents of these minors reside legally in Cyprus, the children remain in a state of administrative and legal uncertainty. The Cyprus Migration Department acknowledges the restrictive passport issuance policies of Belarus, which preclude consular processing abroad. However, current Cypriot legislation strictly mandates the possession of valid travel documents for issuing residence permits. The Commissioner emphasizes the urgent need for a solution to ensure these minors maintain access to basic rights and social benefits.