Progress in Citizenship Applications for Children of Mixed Marriages
In a significant development, the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) has reported that 14 applications for Cypriot citizenship have been approved for children born from mixed marriages between Turkish Cypriots and Turkish nationals. This comes as part of a broader initiative to strengthen ties and build confidence between communities on the island.
The approval of these applications is a direct result of the confidence-building measures announced by President Nikos Christodoulides, which include addressing the backlog of citizenship applications. These measures, announced on January 14, aim to foster a more inclusive environment for Turkish Cypriots, acknowledging the complexities of mixed heritage families.
Despite rumors in the Turkish Cypriot media claiming that citizenship of the Republic would be granted to 3,500 children from such unions, official sources clarify that each case is being carefully reviewed. The examination process mirrors that of other mixed marriages, where one parent is a Cypriot and the other a third-country national. However, applications involving a Turkish national parent are subject to additional scrutiny due to concerns over illegal entries from the northern part of Cyprus.
The decision to move forward with these citizenship applications stems from a Council of Ministers’ resolution dating back to February 2007. The current administration’s actions reflect a commitment to resolving longstanding issues and promoting unity across the Cypriot community.
As more applications continue to be examined, there is a growing sense of optimism among families affected by this issue. The move is seen as a step towards normalizing relations and recognizing the diverse fabric of Cypriot society, where mixed heritage and bi-communal families are an integral part.
