Cyprus Grants Residency to Belarusians with Expired Passports
2 sources · Latvia
Who reported this
- Meduza
- Novaya Gazeta Europe
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Cyprus has begun allowing Belarusian citizens with expired passports to obtain and renew residence permits. According to the office of Cyprus's deputy migration minister and the migration department, this decision took effect in May 2026. The policy also includes an exception for children born on the island to two Belarusian parents; these children can receive residence permits using a Cypriot birth certificate if they cannot obtain Belarusian passports.
Despite these changes, international travel remains a challenge. A Cypriot residence permit does not replace a passport or other travel documents, meaning it does not resolve the issue of leaving the country for those with expired passports.
The situation follows a September 2023 decree by Alexander Lukashenko, which stopped Belarusian embassies and consulates from issuing or renewing passports. Consequently, citizens must now travel to Belarus in person to obtain new documents. This has created significant obstacles for Belarusians living abroad, particularly those who fear criminal prosecution if they return home.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- Outlets of this lean framed the event as a necessary relief for Belarusians in exile who are blocked from renewing documents due to political risks.
Sources
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