Human traffickers falsely telling unsuspecting individuals that Cyprus is now a full member of Schengen

Cyprus is a step closer to joining the Schengen Area, but it has not done so yet – meaning that full checks still apply to all who enter and leave, said the Cyprus interior ministry.

Reports on Wednesday stated that human trafficking networks have begun to falsely claim that those who arrive in Cyprus illegally will be able to legally move on to other Schengen member states, like Italy, France and Germany.

The trafficking networks appear to have jumped on this week’s report that Cyprus gained access to the Schengen Information System (SIS).

However, they falsely claim that checks have since been suspended but the Cyprus interior ministry have come out to debunk these claims.

“Checks at the internal borders with other Schengen member states have not been lifted, both for citizens of Cyprus and other EU nationals, as well as third country nationals,” the ministry said.

“Until Cyprus joins the Schengen Area, Cyprus will continue – as before – to conduct checks on arriving and departing passengers at all crossing points.”

Notably, however, Cyprus is committed by treaty to join the Schengen Area in the future – although there is no clear timetable.

This week’s report on Cyprus’ access to the Schengen Information System (SIS) means it is indeed the final step before full accession to the Schengen Area.

Cyprus’ full integration into the Schengen Area must be approved by a unanimous decision as access to the information system does not mean automatic inclusion.

To qualify for the lifting of controls at common borders with the other Schengen states, the cycle of Schengen evaluations in all areas must be completed.

The SIS/Sirene introduction is the last area to be evaluated and the country must implement all recommendations made during the evaluation period. Subsequently, the matter will be brought before the EU ministerial council.