The number of unaccompanied minors in Cyprus has dropped by 43 per cent compared to 2024, the deputy welfare ministry said on Friday. The statement came after the Paralimni-Deryneia municipality called on authorities earlier in the day to immediately remove seven migrant accommodation structures from its tourist zone.
According to the deputy ministry, only 25 unaccompanied minors currently reside in the area, out of a total of 680 across the island. This marks a significant decrease from the 1,200 recorded in Cyprus in March 2024.
The ministry also announced that it had discontinued the use of hotel units to house unaccompanied minors – an emergency measure previously adopted to manage the surge in migrant arrivals.
Efforts by social welfare services have addressed several challenges, including access to healthcare and education.
Additionally, minors have been placed into smaller groups to prevent the formation of ghettos.
Responding to the concerns raised by Paralimni-Deryneia municipality, the ministry emphasised that the majority of unaccompanied minors now live with relatives or foster families.
As a result, the number of minors housed in accommodation structures has fallen by 60 per cent in the past year.
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