A new report from Cyprus's human rights commissioner shows a serious problem. The country's digital government system is stopping asylum seekers from getting important public services. The commissioner, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, says this needs to be fixed immediately.
The problem is with the main online system, called CY-Login. To use it, people must first prove their identity in person. They need to show a Cypriot ID card, an EU document, or a residence permit. However, asylum seekers do not have these documents. They only have a letter that confirms they applied for protection. Because of this, they cannot register online at all.
This situation has very bad results. People cannot register for work, apply for benefits, or put their children in school online. The report started after an asylum seeker complained. He could not apply for a work permit online and had serious money problems.
Government departments knew about this problem. They had a meeting about it in 2022. They talked about the difficulties, but they have not made any real changes since then.
The ombudswoman said Cyprus must find a solution. She said the current system is unfair and leaves vulnerable people behind. The move to online services, which should make things easier, has created a big barrier for asylum seekers.
Now, the government's technical teams must find a way to include everyone. One idea is to create a special digital ID for asylum seekers. Without a change, Cyprus will have two levels of access to basic rights, based only on a person's digital documents.