www.mihub.eu Page | 6 workplace harmony, or construction companies offering apprenticeship programs for newcomers. Individual Actions and Everyday Interactions: individual residents have a role to play. A simple conversation at the market, helping a Neighbor navigate a public office, or correcting a stereotype at a family dinner are small acts that build bridges. Inclusion starts in daily life. Migrants, for their part, also shoulder responsibilities: learning the language, understanding local norms, and engaging with the host society. Shared responsibility does not mean equal burden—it means mutual commitment to a common future. If Cyprus is to thrive as a cohesive and resilient society, its approach to integration must reflect this ethos of shared responsibility. Barriers to Social Cohesion While progress has been made in some areas of migrant integration, many structural, legal, economic, and cultural barriers continue to undermine social cohesion in Cyprus. These challenges are interlinked, and if left unaddressed, they risk deepening divides and fueling mutual resentment. Legal and Policy Obstacles: One of the most pressing barriers is the long and uncertain asylum process. As of 2024, the average waiting time for a decision on asylum applications has risen from 1 to 9 months. This delay leaves thousands of people in legal limbo, unable to work, plan for the future, or access essential services. Even those granted protection often face restricted rights compared to other legal residents, particularly in housing and healthcare. the legal distinction between different migrant categories, some people can work immediately, others must wait months, and some cannot work at all, even when they have valuable skills—creates fragmented entitlements and services. This complexity confuses both service providers and the public, contributing to misunderstandings and exclusion. Economic Inequality and Labor Market Segregation: Migrants in Cyprus are disproportionately represented in low-paid, insecure, and often exploitative jobs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, domestic work, and construction. Many have little opportunity to advance, even when they possess high levels of education or professional experience. Discrimination in hiring, lack of skills recognition, and language barriers further entrench this economic marginalization. This not only limits migrants’ potential but also fuels public perceptions that they “compete unfairly” for resources, creating resentment among low-income Cypriots who face similar hardships. Myth vs. Reality Myth: Migrants take jobs from locals Reality: Most work in sectors with labour shortages (construction, hospitality, care work) Myth: They don't want to integrate Reality: Language class waiting lists are oversubscribed; many barriers are structural, not personal Myth:
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