Immigration in Cyprus: The Reaction of the Cypriot Community and Especially the Cypriot Youth

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

Cyprus is beautiful island situated in the Mediterranean Sea. Officially known as the Republic of Cyprus this Eurasian country is situated right under the oceans of Turkey, just above Egypt, in-between Greece and Syria. The geographical location of the island and its strong economy paves way for millions of immigrants to use Cyprus as a hub for a better life. Cyprus is not the only country who affected by the immigration problem. But, it's crucial demographic location makes it more vulnerable to the immigration problems than any other country in the European Union.

This dissertation aims in addressing the ongoing debates about the immigration issue in the country. It also takes a deeper look at the human right exploitations aimed on the migrant communities. The history of the nation, their decade long civil war, displacements caused because of the war and their effects are studied in the first part of the study. The local and the international measures taken to improve the situation and the positive results of these measures are analyzed in the second part of the study.

The third chapter discusses the origin of the immigrant problems, its causes and how the political situations in the neighbouring countries like Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey influence the immigration problem of Cyprus. The fourth chapter deals with the IDP's or the refugees issue within the nation and fifth chapter discusses the various reasons for the migrations through a literary review.

Three case studies analyze the various government laws and policies created especially for the migrants. The case studies analyze the various human rights exploitations targeted towards the migrants in the country. The observations done in the case study are presented before a group of well educated young students. They are involved in a group discussion and the interviewed personally. Their thoughts about increasing attacks on the immigrant communities especially students are recorded.

A questionnaire is prepared which allows them to answer various questions regarding this issue. A qualitative analysis on the data collected is done manually. The detailed report reflecting the young generation's reactions and opinion in immigration issue is Cyprus is presented at the end of the study. The researchers view on the student's point of view and the some suggestions to the Cyprus government to solve the human rights issues prevailing in the country are suggested at the end.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Introduction1

History of Cyprus1

North and the Southern Region1

Ancient History2

Ottoman Period3

The Independence and the Civil War4

Cypriot Culture4

Prosperous Economy of Cyprus5

Education ...