BHC thanks NGOs for supporting vulnerable UK nationals

High Commissioner Stephen Lillie has thanked volunteers who helped over 2,000 British nationals living in Cyprus apply for residency.

Volunteers from the Cyprus Residency Planning Group (CRPG) and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) had provided practical support to vulnerable UK nationals since March 2020.

The High Commissioner hosted a gathering for them, thanking them for their invaluable support in applying for residency due to the UK’s departure from the EU.

The two groups, utilising the government’s UK Nationals Support Fund (UKNSF), provided information to more than 18,000 UK nationals, while helping case workers assist a total of 2,070 vulnerable members of the community to submit their paperwork and settle their residency status.

Lillie expressed the High Commission and the Foreign Office’s gratitude to the volunteers for their professionalism and commitment. “With patience, dedication and unfailing good humour they have given of their own time to support our most vulnerable UK nationals in navigating what can seem a daunting process,” Lillie said. He also expressed his gratitude to the ministry of interior, which, he said, by working closely with the CRPG and SSAFA ensured a smooth residency process.

The High Commissioner encouraged UK nationals resident in Cyprus prior to December 31, 2020 and who still have not submitted their residency documents to do so now. “This will ensure that they can enjoy their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement”.

SSAFA’s support has now ended in Cyprus, and CRPG’s full support will end on June 30.

UK nationals can contact CRPG via their free phone line (80009009) or help line (99826087). Contact forms are also available online: http://cyprus-crpg.org/contact/