www.mihub.eu Page | 5 It is important to realize this background - not to assign blame, but to define the task ahead. Social cohesion cannot emerge where systems are overstretched, and narratives are polarized. It must be built intentionally, with policies that identify migrants not as a homogenous group, but as workers, parents, neighbours, and potential co-creators of Cyprus’s shared future. Shared Responsibility in Practice The construction of social cohesion in Cyprus requires a coordinated, multi-level approach involving every layer of society - from national institutions to ordinary people. It is perceived as a shared responsibility which it is interpreted as the collective action among many stakeholders: State Leadership and National Policy: The Cypriot government has acknowledged the urgency of social inclusion. However, while it announced a National Action Plan on Integration (2024–2026) which included 50 action points across five key pillars, focusing on access to education, employment, health services, housing, and active participation, this plan remains unpublished and awaiting formal government approval. It can be argued that there is a noticed gap between acknowledging the challenge and implementing coordinated solutions. Local Institutions: a question is also raised about the role of local authorities. All the concerned parties recognise their role into integration; however, they lack both resources and long-term strategy. Integrating national policies with local realities requires more than paperwork; it needs sustained investment, capacity-building, and inter-agency coordination. Grassroots Action: miHUB Centres, co-funded by AMIF and operating in Nicosia, Ammochostos, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, offer essential services such as legal counselling, psychosocial support, and job orientation to third-country nationals. The centres also serve as bridges to local institutions, improving coordination and case follow-up. Additional initiatives include NGO-led projects and programs like ‘Geia Xara’ that promote Greek language learning for migrants. While these initiatives may appear modest, they are often more effective in fostering trust than abstract policies. The Role of the Private Sector: Employers and trade unions also carry a critical share of the responsibility. Fair hiring practices, labour rights protections, and inclusive workplace cultures are vital for long-term integration. Migrants are overrepresented in low-paid, precarious sectors, yet with adequate support, they can also be entrepreneurs, managers, and innovators. Several businesses in Cyprus are already leading the way—hotels that pair new migrant employees with experienced local staff, creating mentorship relationships that benefit both productivity and
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