FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia has urged authorities to immediately remove seven migrant accommodation facilities located in its tourist zone.
It is also calling for increased police presence and the swift implementation of measures to ensure the safety of residents and businesses.
In a formal statement, the Municipality criticized the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the International Organization for Migration for their decision to establish these facilities in a key tourist area, describing the move as “unacceptable.”
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting attended by representatives from the Police, the Social Welfare Office, and the International Organization for Migration. Concerns were raised about the impact of these accommodations, which have reportedly contributed to an increase in delinquent behavior.
Citing police records, the Municipality highlighted a surge in burglaries and thefts during the 2024 tourist season, allegedly involving individuals staying in similar facilities.
It warned that these issues threaten Cyprus’ tourism and economic growth, as the Paralimni-Deryneia region accounts for nearly 50% of all tourist arrivals and plays a critical role in the national GDP.
The Municipality emphasized that preserving the quality of life for residents and ensuring the safety of visitors must be a top priority. It called on authorities to take immediate action by relocating the facilities, bolstering police patrols, and implementing effective measures to protect the community and its businesses.
