The EU island republic of Cyprus has dubiously issued much of the citizenship issued in recent years. A report by the TV channel Al-Jazira showed how high-ranking state representatives acted.
For example, the speaker of parliament could be heard promising an interested party that he would “deal with” his concerns, sparking outrage and ultimately his resignation. In addition to him, other responsible persons must also be held accountable. Between 2007 and 2020, a total of 7,327 people were granted Cypriot citizenship, including 3,810 close relatives of the applicants.
2.5 million euros for “Golden Passport”
A very large number of these naturalizations were “illegal,” the island state’s state control authority said Monday. It published a 192-page research report, according to which applicants for the so-called “Golden Passport” invested at least 2.5 million euros. There is no regular naturalization, but the document gives, among other things, freedom to travel within the EU.
This award practice was heavily criticized in the EU. It’s not necessarily illegal. According to media reports, among the people who received Cypriot passports in recent years were Russian oligarchs. Your papers have already been revoked.
The Republic of Cyprus has approximately 1,207 (as of 2020) million inhabitants. Refugees without residency status already make up four percent of the population. Only the southern part of the island belongs to the EU, the north is Turkish territory.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
