The watchdog's findings paint a stark picture of the migrants' living conditions. Many receive allowances that fall significantly short of the actual cost of living, particularly concerning housing, food, and essential services. This forces individuals and families into substandard accommodation, often in overcrowded or unsafe conditions, severely restricting their access to adequate nutrition and healthcare. Living on such a 'shoestring' budget limits their ability to integrate, seek stable employment, or even afford transportation.
This financial desperation creates a fertile ground for exploitation, the report emphasizes. Vulnerable migrants become easy targets for unscrupulous employers offering illegally low wages or dangerous working conditions. Landlords may also take advantage, charging inflated rents for inadequate housing or imposing unfair terms. The watchdog expressed grave concern that these precarious living conditions significantly increase the risk of labor exploitation, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse.
The human rights group urges Cypriot authorities to urgently review and increase the financial aid provided to migrants and asylum seekers to reflect realistic living costs. They also stress the crucial need for enhanced monitoring and regulation of housing and employment sectors to protect this vulnerable population from exploitation and ensure their fundamental rights are upheld. Failure to act, the report suggests, perpetuates a cycle of poverty and risk for those seeking safety and a better life in Cyprus.