An action plan with dozens of measures to help third-country nationals legally residing in Cyprus integrate into the labour market and economy has been prepared, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.

Ioannou was speaking at the opening of a public consultation with civil society groups about the 50-point action plan based on five pillars: housing, employment, skills, health and education.

“Within the framework of the integrated migration policy adopted by the government, particular emphasis is placed on the implementation of policies and actions aimed at the smoothest possible integration of third-country nationals legally residing in our country into all aspects of Cypriot society and economy,” he said.

The actions under each pillar form the links in a chain, each complementing and covering the other to achieve the desired result, he said.

Ioannou used Greek-language learning as an example, which in turn helps third-country nationals respond adequately to skills development programmes.

“At the same time, the proper preparation of immigrants for their smooth integration into the social, economic and cultural life of our country is an essential factor in fostering a culture of acceptance by the native population, which is an equally important objective for a government,” he said.

Ioannou also added that the contributions submitted by citizens will “undoubtedly be a valuable tool for the development and implementation of policies for the integration and inclusion of people with a migrant background”.

“Social inclusion and integration issues constitute a particularly sensitive and humanitarian aspect of migration, which both the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus take seriously into account when designing policies,” the minister said.

The plan will cover the next three years.