Executive Summary
This policy note marks MedMA’s first policy publication on Cyprus, kick-starting its engagement on migrant integration in the country. It was developed following the conference National Integration Strategy for Migrants: From Theory to Practice, organised by the Mediterranean Migration & Asylum Policy Hub (MedMA) under the auspices of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection (DMMIP) on April 30, 2026, in Nicosia.
The conference took place shortly after the adoption of Cyprus’ first National Integration Strategy for Migrants 2026–2029 and brought together representatives of government, local authorities, civil society organisations, migrant-led initiatives, international organisations, and practitioners to discuss opportunities and challenges related to its implementation.
Discussions highlighted broad support for the Strategy as an important milestone in the development of a more coherent and comprehensive integration framework. At the same time, participants identified several structural challenges that may affect implementation. These include fragmented responsibilities across institutions, limited coordination mechanisms, gaps in migration and integration data, housing affordability and discrimination, barriers to accessing information and public services, negative public perceptions and misinformation, limited opportunities for migrant participation in design and decision-making processes, and capacity constraints within local authorities.
A central theme of the conference was the role of municipalities in integration processes. While recent local government reforms and the National Integration Strategy envisage an expanded role for local authorities, participants stressed that responsibilities must be accompanied by adequate funding, staffing, technical support, and coordination mechanisms. Municipalities were recognised as uniquely positioned to identify local needs, facilitate access to services, strengthen social cohesion, and promote community participation.
The conference also showcased promising practices from Cyprus and Greece, including innovative approaches to housing, local coordination, homelessness support, and personalised integration pathways. These examples demonstrated the value of localised, participatory, and evidence-based approaches that move beyond short-term project cycles and support long-term inclusion and belonging.
The recommendations emerging from the discussions focus on strengthening local integration governance, improving coordination across institutions, enhancing migration data systems, investing in municipal capacity, promoting participatory approaches, improving service accessibility, addressing housing-related barriers, and strengthening evidence-based public communication on migration and integration.
Overall, the conference highlighted that successful implementation of the National Integration Strategy will require sustained cooperation between national and local authorities, civil society organisations, migrant communities, and other stakeholders. Integration should be understood not only as access to employment and services, but as a long-term process that promotes participation, belonging, equal opportunities, and social cohesion across communities.
As MedMA’s inaugural policy contribution on Cyprus, this note lays the foundation for the Hub’s continued engagement with Cypriot stakeholders – government, local authorities, civil society, and migrant communities – on integration policy and practice. It is intended as a starting reference point rather than a final assessment, to be built on through subsequent monitoring, research, and dialogue as implementation of the National Integration Strategy progresses.
State of Play – Integration in Cyprus
Integration & the New EU Pact on Migration & Asylum
The DMMIP published its first comprehensive National Migrants’ Integration Strategy 2026-29, on December 8, 2025, as part of a public consultation process. The strategy was then approved by the Cabinet on February 4, 2026.
The strategy was introduced at a critical juncture, just weeks into Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), during which it was expected to demonstrate preparedness and leadership in discussions still lingering surrounding the implementation of the New Asylum & Migration Pact before it came into force on June 12, 2026.
While integration is not a core pillar of the new pact, the Reception Conditions Directive provisions for increased safeguards of assistance in the reception process. Essentially, this directive sets harmonised EU-wide standards during the early integration process. Those standards include, inter alia, timely assessment of specific reception needs; early access to care for victims of torture and violence; fast entry into the education system for children and the designation of representatives for unaccompanied minors as well as increased access to free legal aid.
Besides increased reception standards, the directive sets a maximum work-ban of six months once an asylum applicant has lodged their application, and potentially earlier access to the labour market in cases of applications that appear well-founded to be granted protection. This provision reduces the pre-pact nine-month work ban for asylum applicants, which has been in effect in Cyprus since October 1, 2023. Before, asylum seekers could seek employment one month after submitting their application.
The aforementioned changes, some of which are explicitly defined in the strategy, are expected to have a positive impact in the early integration process of newly-arrived international protection applicants.
In addition to asylum seekers, other target groups of the strategy include asylum applicants with a pending appeal to the International Protection Administrative Court (IPAC), beneficiaries of temporary protection, which refer to individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine, beneficiaries of international protection such as recognised refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status, as well as third-country nationals with a residence permit.
Migrant Populations in Cyprus
To set the stage for analysing the anticipated challenges and opportunities from the implementation of the strategy in the next years, it is important to first become acquainted with the diverse migrant profiles in the country in terms of legal status.
Residence permits of third-country nationals, according to recent data by the DMMIP, has increased from 112,297 in 2022 to 184,745 as of December 2025. This figure excludes approximately 95,000 EU citizens, 15,196 asylum seekers whose applications are still pending before the Asylum Service, a further 7,436 who have appealed to the International Protection Administrative Court (IPAC) and 24,890 individuals with temporary protection status, as of March 2026. Some overlap may nevertheless exist, as certain asylum seekers may also hold work permits.
Integration Efforts in Cyprus
The figure below illustrates the evolution of migrant integration policy in Cyprus from 2010 to today. The timeline highlights the progression from a series of standalone action plans and fragmented integration initiatives towards a more coordinated governance framework, culminating in the establishment of the DMMIP in 2024 and the adoption of the country’s first National Integration Strategy for Migrants in 2026. It also underscores the significant gaps between policy frameworks and the reliance on project-based initiatives that characterised the integration landscape during much of this period.
National Integration Strategy for Migrants 2026–2029
The National Integration Strategy for Migrants 2026–2029 is divided into four Strategy Goals, under which, several specific objectives are outlined. Alongside the strategy, an Action Plan has been developed that describes dedicated actions under each Specific Objective. The Action Plan outlines potential implementing entities/organisations, duration of actions’ implementation and specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will be used to assess the results of each action.
As shown in the visual here, most actions of the strategy fall under Strategy Goal #1, thus, focusing on early integration measures such as language learning, employability opportunities, access to services such as healthcare, housing and transport. Of the total 56 actions of the strategy, 40 fall under Strategy Goal #1, highlighting the focus on early integration measures.
Click here to view the breakdown of activities per the Action Plan on Integration of the DMMIP.
Importantly, the adoption of the first national strategy marks a significant milestone for integration policy in Cyprus. It lays the groundwork for a more holistic and comprehensive approach going forward.
With its formal approval by the Cabinet and a defined implementation timeline, the strategy – together with its planned actions – provides a clear point of reference. It also strengthens accountability and creates opportunities for ongoing improvement and future legal adjustments.
The Role of Local Authorities in Integration
Local authorities play a central role in the integration of migrants and refugees due to their direct and continuous interaction with residents, community groups, and local stakeholders. Municipalities are the first point of contact for addressing practical day-to-day needs, facilitating access to services, and mediating between residents and central government institutions. Their close understanding of local dynamics, community initiatives, and everyday challenges places them in a unique position to foster social cohesion and respond effectively to local integration needs.
Legislative, local authorities in Cyprus have undergone a structural reform, which was voted into law in 2022 and put into full effect on July 1, 2024, following municipal elections. The new law establishes 20 consolidated municipalities and multiple community council clusters, as well as 5 District
Local Government Organisations, granting local authorities increased autonomy in terms of urban planning, social provision, financial administration and decision-making.
The new discretionary powers of municipalities in Cyprus in the area of social welfare and social cohesion include a wide range of horizontal services such as healthcare and mental health support, social care facilities for children, youth, and the elderly, assistance for vulnerable groups (including the homeless and low-income residents), crime prevention, employment support, skills training, entrepreneurship promotion, and the encouragement of volunteering and community engagement.
Given the discretionary nature of the aforementioned powers of local authorities, in practice, local efforts addressing asylum seekers, migrants and refugees’ integration remain at a pre-mature level across Cyprus. While some municipal programmes and services are open to vulnerable populations in the community, only very few are explicitly directed to or adjusted for the aforementioned groups.
In regards to how local authorities are positioned within the Strategy’s Action Plan, the visual below presents the actions in which local government authorities are identified as potential implementation and coordination partners, either independently or in collaboration with national authorities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Their inclusion in these actions does not necessarily mean that local authorities will be the sole or definitive implementing bodies, but rather that the Strategy envisages them as possible actors that could contribute to implementation.
All of the actions that will be potentially undertaken by local authorities per the Action Plan, fall under Strategy Goal 1 that aims to “Promote socio-economic integration of migrants by ensuring equal access to education, employment and social services and fostering inclusion, participation and cultural exchange within host communities.”
The allocation of local authorities within these actions highlights the important role envisaged for local government in supporting early integration measures at the community level. This includes potential involvement in the provision of Greek language classes, childcare services, facilitation of access to vocational training and the labour market, and the promotion of civic awareness and active citizenship. These actions also foresee a possible role for local authorities in addressing housing-related needs and improving local transportation routes and services to support migrant integration.
Conference Proceedings
Introduction
The following sections provide a detailed overview of the discussions held during the Conference: National Integration Strategy: From Theory to Practice that was organised by MedMA on April 30, 2026, in Nicosia, Cyprus. The conference brought together representatives from the government, including the DMMIP, diplomatic missions, civil society organisations, migrant-led initiatives and local authorities.
The aim of the conference was to contextualise the implementation of the first National Integration Strategy for Migrants within the broader migration and integration landscape in Cyprus, facilitate an open discussion on anticipated challenges, and provide a platform for the exchange of good practices and recommendations aimed at strengthening implementation outcomes.
A special focus was given to the role of local authorities in migrants’ integration, given their position as the level of government closest to local communities and often the first point of contact for newly arrived individuals. The conference sought to equip municipalities with practical examples, lessons learned, and policy approaches that can support the development of effective local integration measures.
The sections that follow are divided into two main parts. The first outlines the key challenges identified by government representatives, local authorities, civil society organisations, migrant-led initiatives, and other stakeholders. The second presents the recommendations that emerged from the discussions for both national and local actors. Throughout the note, relevant examples of good practices from Cyprus and Greece are highlighted to illustrate practical approaches that may inform future integration efforts.
Part I: Challenges
Challenges Reported by the DMMIP and Other Actors
This section outlines several challenges that have been brought up during the discussions at the conference, including by representatives of the DMMIP, civil society actors and frontline practitioners.
Division of Responsibilities Across Multiple Sectors and Stakeholders
Key pillars of early and long-term integration – including healthcare, employability, skills development, and social welfare – span the responsibilities of several ministries, public services and departments, as well as local governments. Relevant actors include the DMMIP, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, and the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, as well as the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA). In addition, international organisations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), together with civil society organisations and private companies are also expected to contribute to upcoming integration actions. The broad range of actors involved in migrants’ integration highlights the need for strong coordination, clear communication channels, and sustained collaboration across ministries and sectors to ensure coherent and effective implementation.
Public Perception and National Sensitivities
Integration measures or the lack there of can trigger xenophobic or racist reactions among segments of the local population, particularly in periods of heightened political polarisation around migration and asylum governance. In such contexts, misinformation and public mistrust may undermine support for integration initiatives and hinder their effective implementation.
Data and evidence gaps
Data and evidence gaps remain a significant challenge in the implementation of integration policies, largely due to the involvement of multiple actors and institutions across migration and asylum governance. While substantial information is already collected by various ministries and public services, the fragmentation of data systems and the absence of coordinated data-sharing mechanisms limit the ability to develop targeted, evidence-based integration measures.
In particular, the lack of detailed and localised migration-related data at the municipality and community level hinders the design of tailored responses to integration needs, including language-specific communication, housing support, community engagement initiatives, and humanitarian assistance. Without a clearer understanding of the demographic and socio-economic profiles of migrant populations at the local level, integration interventions risk being reactive, fragmented, or insufficiently targeted.
Challenges Reported by Migrant Communities and Migrant-Led Initiatives
A recurring message across discussions during the conference was that integration cannot be understood solely as access to employment or language acquisition. Participants stressed that integration outcomes should be shaped by dignity, equal treatment, access to information, and the ability of migrant communities to participate meaningfully in public life by developing a sense of belonging.
Several interventions highlighted that migrants are often expected to adapt unilaterally to host societies while insufficient attention is paid to reciprocal efforts that strengthen inclusion and trust.
Access to Housing and Basic Living Conditions
Participants highlighted that housing insecurity remains one of the most immediate barriers to integration in Cyprus. High rental prices, limited availability of affordable accommodation and poor housing conditions disproportionately affect migrants and refugees.
Reports were also shared of discriminatory rental practices, particularly affecting individuals receiving welfare support and other groups perceived as financially insecure. These practices increase dependency on informal arrangements, overcrowding and unstable living conditions, with broader consequences for access to employment, education and wellbeing.
Access to Public Services
Migrant communities described persistent difficulties navigating administrative systems and identifying available services. Limited multilingual information and fragmented referral pathways often delay access to support.
Access barriers were reported across several sectors:
- Education, including difficulties understanding enrolment procedures and available support mechanisms;
- Healthcare, where language barriers and limited interpretation support reportedly lead to delayed appointments and difficulties communicating with healthcare professionals;
- Social services, due to fragmented information channels and administrative complexity;
Transport, with insufficient public transport connections creating additional costs and requiring beneficiaries to miss work or interrupt participation in integration activities in order to navigate administration services in person.
Mental Health and Social Belonging
Participants reported that mental wellbeing and psychosocial stress are widespread across migrant communities. Uncertainty regarding residence status, social isolation, precarious housing conditions, labour insecurity and prolonged administrative procedures were identified as contributing factors.
At the same time, participants stressed the importance of recognising migrants not solely as beneficiaries but as residents, workers, parents and active members of local communities.
Public Perception, Misinformation and Anti-Racism
Concerns were raised regarding misinformation and negative public narratives surrounding migration, including reported hostile discourse directed at migrant workers, in addition to an uptick of assaults towards international students and delivery drivers in the past years.
Migrant-led organisations representatives emphasised the need for stronger anti-racist education within schools, public awareness initiatives, increased visibility of positive examples of participation and contribution and mechanisms to address misinformation before narratives solidify.
Participants also stressed the need to establish a dedicated mechanism for the systematic recording and monitoring of hate crimes and racist incidents, noting a reported rise in such cases. Reference was made to existing good practices in other countries, including Greece’s Racist Violence Recording Network (RVRN) that brings together civil society organisations to systematically document racist violence otherwise unreported through official channels. Establishing a comparable mechanism in Cyprus — whether through civil society networks, an expanded mandate for an existing body, or formal cooperation with police reporting systems — could help address current data gaps and inform more targeted anti-racism and public communication efforts.
Structural Barriers to Participation and Representation
Migrant-led initiatives highlighted challenges in establishing and sustaining formal structures of representation.
It was noted that registering migrant associations can involve lengthy procedures, significant administrative burdens and legal costs, while informal community initiatives often remain unsupported despite their local legitimacy and impact. At the same time, migrant communities frequently lack structured and meaningful opportunities to participate in or influence policy and decision-making processes, especially at the local level.
Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening participatory mechanisms such as local consultative bodies and refugee and migrant advisory councils.
Long-term Residence and Citizenship
Participants identified access to long-term legal status as an important structural challenge affecting the integration of migrants in Cyprus. They noted that prolonged residence under temporary permits, combined with limited opportunities to transition to permanent residence or citizenship, creates uncertainty for many migrants, particularly low-skilled workers and beneficiaries of international protection. This uncertainty can discourage long-term planning, investment in education and housing, and broader social and civic participation.
These concerns should be considered in light of the 2023 amendments to the Civil Registry Law, which reformed the naturalisation framework in Cyprus. While the amendments introduced an accelerated pathway to citizenship for highly skilled employees working in eligible companies, the general naturalisation route continues to require seven years of lawful residence during a period of 10 years immediately preceding a 12-month period of continuous and lawful residence, at the end of which the submission of an application for naturalisation takes place. The amendments also introduced language proficiency in Greek (B1) and clarified that periods spent in Cyprus as an asylum seeker, a beneficiary of subsidiary or temporary protection, or a student do not count towards the required residence period. Furthermore, the law specifies that, when assessing an applicant’s good character, the authorities may take into account factors such as whether the applicant entered or remained in Cyprus in breach of immigration legislation. Although these considerations do not automatically prevent a person from acquiring citizenship, they may influence the overall assessment of an application.
In this context, participants emphasised the importance of ensuring that migrants who have established their lives in Cyprus have accessible and predictable pathways to long-term residence and citizenship. Strengthening legal certainty was considered an important component of successful integration, supporting long-term participation in the labour market, community life, and wider society.
Short-Term and Top-Down Approaches to Integration
Participants further noted that integration approaches continue to be shaped predominantly through top-down policy design, which does not always reflect the evolving realities of local communities and beneficiaries.
Current interventions were described as placing disproportionate emphasis on language acquisition and labour market access while giving comparatively less attention to broader integration dimensions such as housing, participation, healthcare access, social cohesion, trust-building and civic inclusion.
Challenges Reported by Local Authorities
Institutional Capacity, Resources and Governance Challenges
Participants highlighted that local authorities are increasingly expected to play a central role in integration governance following the adoption of the National Migrants’ Integration Strategy 2026-29 and recent local government reforms. However, responsibilities are expanding faster than the institutional, financial and operational capacity required to implement them effectively.
A recurring concern was the mismatch between growing expectations and the resources available to municipalities. Prolonged recruitment restrictions up until and staffing shortages have limited the development of specialised expertise, while integration responsibilities are often assigned to existing personnel without dedicated teams or long-term planning structures. Participants also noted a shortage of multilingual and culturally competent professionals within their staff, including intercultural mediators and specialised social workers.
At the same time, it was reported that integration activities remain heavily dependent on external project-based funding. While EU instruments such as the Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund (AMIF) have enabled valuable initiatives, reliance on temporary funding cycles often results in discontinuity of services, loss of institutional knowledge and difficulties sustaining successful interventions beyond project completion. Participants therefore stressed the need for dedicated and predictable municipal and state funding streams.
Governance and coordination challenges further constrain implementation. Integration responsibilities are shared across ministries, municipalities, civil society organisations and international actors, resulting in coordination mechanisms being insufficiently structured and responsibilities being often unclear in practice. This contributes to potential duplication of efforts, inconsistent referral pathways and limited inter-agency cooperation. The need for stronger local partnerships, clearer institutional mandates and more coordinated systems of support was emphasised.
Participation, Community Trust and Accessibility
Local authorities and community actors also highlighted difficulties in ensuring meaningful participation of migrant communities in decision-making processes and monitoring evolving community needs.
Participants pointed to limited civic orientation initiatives, insufficient awareness-raising regarding institutions and rights, and relatively few structured opportunities for interaction between migrant and host communities. As a result, integration efforts remain service-oriented rather than participatory.
At the same time, discussions highlighted the importance of designing accessible measures that respond to practical barriers affecting participation. Particular attention was drawn to the need for stronger gender-sensitive approaches, especially regarding barriers experienced by migrant women and mothers. Childcare responsibilities, transport limitations and inflexible participation arrangements were identified as factors that frequently reduce access to education, training and community activities.
Examples presented during the conference demonstrated that targeted interventions – such as childcare provision, intercultural mediation, flexible participation formats and family-inclusive activities – can significantly improve participation and long-term engagement.
Horizontal Challenge: Housing as a Structural Barrier to Integration
Housing emerged across discussions as a cross-cutting integration challenge that should be treated not merely as a welfare issue but as a precondition for successful participation in education, employment, healthcare, and community life.
Participants highlighted that Cyprus’ current housing context – characterised by rapidly increasing rental prices, limited availability of affordable units, and deteriorating housing conditions in parts of the private rental market – disproportionately affects migrant and refugee populations. These pressures intersect existing administrative and socio-economic vulnerabilities and create additional barriers to long-term integration.
Conference participants reported discriminatory practices in access to housing, particularly affecting beneficiaries of welfare support and people perceived as financially insecure or lacking local social networks. In practice, difficulties securing stable accommodation can result in frequent relocations, overcrowding, informal housing arrangements, and disruptions to employment and children’s educational continuity.
Housing insecurity also increases dependence on emergency assistance and limits migrants’ capacity to engage in language learning, skills development, civic participation, and long-term settlement planning.
The issue is particularly relevant given that housing already constitutes one of the pillars of the National Integration Strategy for Migrants 2026–29 and falls within the broader discretionary social cohesion competences introduced under the local government reform framework.
Case Studies by Local Authorities on Housing
Despite the current challenges facing the housing sector, the conference provided local authorities with an opportunity to showcase small-scale good practices aimed at alleviating housing pressures within their communities.
Part II: Policy Recommendations
This section further elaborates on and analyses the recommendations put forward during the conference by representatives of local authorities, civil society organisations, migrant-led groups, and participating experts.
Recommendations for the Government (DMMIP and others)
Strengthen the role of municipalities in integration governance
Municipalities should be recognised as key actors in integration and supported through clear mandates, adequate funding, and strengthened administrative capacity. Given their proximity to communities, local authorities are well placed to identify needs and implement integration measures. However, responsibilities should be matched with resources to ensure effective and consistent delivery.
The Government may support municipal engagement by:
- Establishing predictable funding and dedicated budget lines for integration actions;
- Formalising integration functions within municipal structures, including designated Integration Officers;
- Providing co-financing and technical support for implementation of the National Integration Strategy for Migrants 2026–29;
- Developing minimum service standards and practical guidance for municipalities; and
- Promoting intermunicipal cooperation and mainstreaming integration across local policies and services.
Municipal involvement should move beyond consultation towards long-term responsibility for integration outcomes.
Designate focal points for integration matters in relevant government bodies
Government bodies, such as the Ministry of Health, should appoint dedicated officers to serve as focal points for integration-related matters. Establishing clear points of contact within relevant government departments would strengthen coordination between civil society organisations and public authorities, while also facilitating the efficient resolution of day-to-day issues. This would improve communication and support on matters such as permits, access to healthcare, labour market integration, education, and social welfare services.
Establish a system for tracking recurring challenges
Designated officers (per the previous point) are advised to maintain a structured log of recurring issues and implementation bottlenecks encountered during the first year of the strategy’s implementation. Grouping and analysing recurrent problems will help identify systemic gaps and inform the development of new mechanisms, administrative procedures, or legislative amendments. This process would also directly support Strategy Goal #4: Legal and Policy Alignment to Support Migrant Integration.
Establish a centralised migration data coordination and publication mechanism
A dedicated unit within the Cyprus Statistical Service or the DMMIP should be responsible for consolidating, analysing, and regularly publishing migration and integration data collected across government institutions. Particular emphasis should be placed on producing disaggregated data at the municipal and community level, including information on demographic profiles, education, language skills, employment, housing, and locality of residence. Improved coordination and accessibility of data would support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and enable more targeted integration measures that respond to local needs.
Strengthen evidence-based public communication on migration and integration
Government authorities should regularly publish timely and reliable migration and integration data to support informed public debate and counter misinformation. Improved access to official statistics would enable researchers, local authorities, think tanks, media organisations, and civil society actors to undertake evidence-based analysis, develop awareness campaigns, and challenge misleading narratives before they become entrenched in public discourse.
Strengthen the Sustainability of Civil Society Organisations
Civil society organisations are essential partners in Cyprus’ migration and integration system, providing legal assistance, interpretation, psychosocial support, language learning, employment guidance, community outreach, and specialised services for vulnerable groups. Their expertise and long-standing engagement with migrant communities complement the work of public authorities and local authorities and contribute significantly to the implementation of the National Integration Strategy.
With the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum now in force, Cyprus is implementing new obligations relating to reception, asylum procedures, vulnerability assessments, case management, and integration support. Civil society organisations will continue to play a vital role in supporting public authorities in meeting these obligations. However, many organisations remain heavily dependent on short-term, project-based funding, with limited resources to cover core operational costs such as staff salaries, rent, administration, and organisational development. At the same time, international humanitarian funding has become increasingly constrained, including significant reductions in UNHCR’s global budget and declining contributions from several donor governments, placing additional pressure on organisations delivering frontline services.
The Government should establish a sustainable national funding mechanism that complements existing EU funding by providing simple, transparent, and predictable operational funding for civil society organisations with demonstrated experience and a proven track record in delivering high-quality migration and integration services. Funding mechanisms should minimise administrative burdens, support core organisational capacity rather than only project-based activities, and, where appropriate, provide multiannual operational grants to ensure continuity of services. Strengthening the institutional sustainability of experienced organisations would help retain specialised expertise, preserve institutional knowledge, ensure continuity of essential services, and reinforce partnerships between government, local authorities, and civil society in implementing the National Integration Strategy 2026-29 and the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Review migrant service pathways and strengthen system interoperability
Conduct a review of how migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary and temporary protection interact with public services and administrative systems throughout the integration process. The review should identify service gaps, administrative bottlenecks, duplication in data collection, and opportunities to improve coordination across sectors such as healthcare, education, housing, employment, permits, skills recognition, and social welfare.
Findings should inform ongoing government digitalisation efforts to strengthen interoperability between databases and services, streamline procedures, improve referral pathways, reduce administrative burdens, and support more efficient and coordinated service delivery.
Expand participation opportunities to EU citizens
While the National Integration Strategy is primarily aimed at third-country nationals, selected integration measures could be opened to EU citizens where this supports social cohesion and makes more effective use of existing resources. Many EU nationals face similar challenges related to language learning, civic participation, access to information, and community engagement.
The DMMIP, in cooperation with relevant ministries and local authorities, should review eligibility criteria for non-protection-related integration actions and consider broader participation in areas such as language learning, civic orientation, vocational training, digital skills, volunteering, and community engagement. Priority access for target groups should be maintained, while encouraging mixed-participation activities that bring together migrants, refugees, EU citizens, and host communities.
This approach would strengthen social cohesion, maximise the use of existing programmes, and avoid creating parallel participation structures.
Recommendations for Local Authorities
Utilise MedMA’s “Local Integration Roadmap for Municipalities & Communities in Cyprus”
Given the varying levels of resources, expertise and institutional capacity among municipalities and community councils, MedMA has developed an indicative roadmap to support local authorities in either initiating or strengthening the integration services they provide. The roadmap aims to support the gradual development and consolidation of local support systems for migrant communities across localities in Cyprus.
The roadmap is broadly aligned with the activities under the National Integration Strategy for Migrants 2026–29 that could potentially be undertaken by local authorities. Its purpose is to assist local governments in translating these strategic priorities into practical and achievable first steps.
The roadmap is divided into two phases:
Year 1 focuses on low-cost, foundational actions that primarily require dedicated staff coordination rather than significant financial investment. The emphasis during this phase is on establishing communication and cooperation channels with local actors, developing an initial understanding of the most pressing integration needs within the community, and making effective use of the priorities, funding opportunities and existing resources available through the DMMIP, as well as other existing local structures and services.
Year 2 focuses on the gradual institutionalisation and expansion of local integration services, enabling local authorities to become more active actors in integration efforts. This phase emphasises the establishment of longer-term plans, programmes and services that can strengthen social inclusion and promote belonging at the local level.
Adopt Localised, Participatory and Evidence-Based Integration Planning Approaches
Local integration actions should be designed through gradual, evidence-based and participatory processes that reflect the demographic, linguistic and socio-economic realities of each municipality and community.
Rather than implementing standardised or exclusively top-down measures, municipalities should adopt local integration planning methodologies that begin with mapping local communities, existing services, stakeholders and emerging needs before designing interventions.
As demonstrated through the roadmap above, effective local integration planning may include:
- mapping migrant population profiles, languages spoken, existing services and community actors;
- identifying practical barriers affecting participation, including childcare, transport, accessibility and language barriers;
- establishing direct communication channels with migrant communities and local stakeholders;
- consulting beneficiaries and involving them in the co-design of activities and priorities;
- adapting communication methods and outreach strategies to local demographic realities;
- piloting small-scale and low-cost actions before scaling interventions;
- regularly monitoring participation, feedback and evolving community needs.
Participants in the conference stressed that integration measures are significantly more effective when migrant communities are treated not solely as beneficiaries, but as co-architects in the design and implementation process.
This approach is particularly relevant for municipalities with limited resources, as it allows local authorities to prioritise interventions based on identified needs, make more efficient use of existing structures and gradually institutionalise successful practices over time.
This approach supports stronger trust-building between municipalities, migrant communities and host populations by promoting transparency, participation and continuous local engagement rather than one-off interventions.
Strengthen Local Integration Governance and Coordination
Local authorities should develop and implement integrated local strategies and action plans on integration, inclusion, and anti-racism, co-designed with civil society organisations and migrant and refugee communities and supported by adequate and targeted resources. Municipalities are encouraged to allocate dedicated budget lines for integration-related actions to ensure continuity, sustainability, and long-term planning beyond project-based funding.
Integration and inclusion actions should also be embedded within existing municipal structures and programmes, including “Open School” and lifelong learning initiatives. Municipalities are encouraged to appoint a dedicated Integration Officer responsible for coordinating and supporting local integration policies and activities. In parallel, Local Integration Advisory Committees could be established to facilitate regular and structured communication with migrant communities, civil society organisations, local businesses, schools, cultural actors, and other relevant stakeholders. Meetings should be recurrent and scheduled in advance to ensure continuity, meaningful participation, and coordinated local action.
Local authorities may also consider establishing neighbourhood-based community social worker schemes supported by the Social Welfare Services of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. Such models combine community outreach, counselling and psychosocial support, awareness-raising actions, trainings, and referrals to public services, while also strengthening coordination between municipalities, schools, state services, and local communities. By maintaining a direct presence within neighbourhoods, these schemes can support early intervention, improve accessibility to services, and respond more effectively to everyday community needs. According to the deputy ministry, 34 social workers were deployed across localities in 2025.
In the medium term, the Union of Municipalities could establish a dedicated consultation and coordination body composed of municipal Integration Officers to facilitate exchanges of good practices, common challenges, and local integration experiences across municipalities.
Improve Accessibility, Communication, and Service Navigation
Municipal websites, announcements, and informational materials should be available at minimum in Greek and English, while assessing the need for additional languages based on local demographic mapping. Multilingual outreach materials and multiple communication channels – including websites, social media, posters, printed materials, telephone, online, and in-person communication – should be used to improve accessibility and inclusion. Municipalities should further strengthen mediation, referral, and information mechanisms to support migrants and refugees in navigating administrative procedures and accessing public services.
Dedicated communication channels with migrant community representatives – such as WhatsApp or Viber groups – may also support faster coordination, information-sharing, and troubleshooting of day-to-day community issues.
Promote Participatory and Community-Based Approaches
Municipalities should promote the active participation of migrant and refugee communities in consultations, advisory bodies, and local decision-making processes. Community-based and intercultural initiatives – including neighbourhood activities, cultural events, social cafés, sports, and experiential learning activities – can strengthen trust, social cohesion, and a shared sense of belonging between migrant and host communities. Local authorities should also encourage the co-design and co-implementation of integration initiatives together with beneficiaries and community actors.
Particular emphasis should be placed on creating safe and welcoming spaces for informal interaction, dialogue, and trust-building between communities.
Strengthen Socio-Economic Inclusion Measures
Integration actions should prioritise practical skills and socio-economic inclusion measures with direct impact on self-sufficiency and economic stability, including vocational training, financial literacy, digital literacy, employment readiness, and access to labour market support services. Municipalities should strengthen cooperation with local businesses, employers, and entrepreneurs – including businesses established by migrant women – while promoting mentorship opportunities, networking initiatives, internships, and trial employment schemes. Personalised “integration roadmaps” tailored to the needs, skills, and aspirations of beneficiaries are also be encouraged especially in programmes that prioritise migrant women’s engagement.
Promote Inclusive and Tailored Support Services
Local authorities should recognise challenges linked to legal and administrative status, including restrictions affecting employment, healthcare, or housing access, and develop support mechanisms that remain accessible despite these barriers. Integration services should be flexible and tailored to beneficiaries’ availability and needs, including the provision of childcare services where possible to facilitate women’s participation. Activities should also take into account the cultural and religious backgrounds of participants while supporting familiarisation with local social norms and community life.
Invest in Sustainable Capacity and Institutional Learning
Long-term investment in local integration infrastructure, expertise, and support services is essential to ensure continuity and sustainability beyond short-term project cycles. Municipal staff and service providers should receive specialised training in cultural sensitivity, intercultural communication, gender mainstreaming, and the management of complex integration programmes. Municipalities should also strengthen partnerships, exchanges of good practices, and cooperation with civil society organisations and other stakeholders involved in integration governance.
Conclusion
The adoption of the National Integration Strategy for Migrants 2026–2029 marks an important milestone in the evolution of integration policy in Cyprus. For the first time, the country has a comprehensive framework that brings together integration priorities, actions, implementation partners, and monitoring mechanisms under a common strategic vision.
The discussions held during the conference demonstrated both the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead. While the strategy provides a strong foundation, its success will depend on effective coordination across institutions, sustained political commitment, adequate resources, and meaningful engagement with the communities it seeks to support. Integration challenges are multidimensional and cannot be addressed by a single ministry, municipality, or organisation acting alone.
A key message emerging from the conference was the importance of strengthening the role of local authorities. Municipalities are often the first point of contact for migrants and refugees, and are uniquely positioned to translate national objectives into practical local solutions. Supporting local authorities through clear mandates, stable funding, technical assistance, and coordination mechanisms will therefore be essential for achieving the strategy’s objectives.
In this context, MedMA aims to provide practical, evidence-based tools that help municipalities translate the Strategy’s objectives into concrete local action (see Local Integration Roadmap for Municipalities and Communities in Cyprus). As part of its broader engagement in Cyprus, MedMA will continue to monitor implementation, document emerging good practices, and facilitate dialogue among government authorities, local authorities, civil society organisations, and migrant communities as the Strategy moves from adoption into practice.
At the same time, integration should be approached as a two-way and long-term process that extends beyond access to employment and services. Issues such as housing, participation, social cohesion, public perceptions, and a sense of belonging are equally important determinants of successful integration outcomes. Policies that are evidence-based, participatory, and responsive to local realities are more likely to foster trust, inclusion, and community resilience.
The implementation of the strategy presents an opportunity to move beyond fragmented and project-based approaches towards a more coordinated, sustainable, and locally grounded integration system. Realising this potential will require continued cooperation between government authorities, local authorities, civil society organisations, migrant communities, and international partners. If effectively implemented, the strategy can contribute not only to improved outcomes for migrants and refugees, but also to stronger, more cohesive, and more resilient communities across Cyprus.