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Cyprus (Immigration Policy)

Volume 329: debated on Monday 29 November 1937

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asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what conditions alien immigration is allowed into Cyprus; and, in particular, whether he will contemplate permitting the immigration of Jewish or other refugees who bring £1,000 capital, such as have hitherto immigrated and brought prosperity to Palestine?

Alien immigration into Cyprus is governed by the Immigration Law of 1936, and by the Regulations made under it. As was stated by my predecessor, in reply to a question by the right hon. and gallant Member on the 1st July, 1935, the immigration policy of the Cyprus Government is directed to safeguarding the livelihood of the existing inhabitants of the island, which would be prejudiced by allowing immigrants to enter the colony freely. But it is open to individuals desiring to settle, who satisfy the conditions imposed under the Immigration Law, to enter the island: and it is specifically provided under Regulations made on the 9th December, 1936, that any person who is in bona fide possession and freely disposes of a capital of not less than £1,000 is eligible for the grant of a certificate of immigration.