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Coronavirus: Lottides urges review of entry rules for non-married couples (Cyprus Mail)

Coronavirus: Lottides urges review of entry rules for non-married couples

Cyprus Mail
20/11/2020

The ombudswoman recommended to the government to examine whether they could amend quarantine ordinances to allow entry to people with long-term relationships and not just spouses, as is the current state of affairs.

In a report into the matter following complaints from people separated from their partners because of provisions aimed at stopping the spread of the coronavirus, Maria Stylianou-Lottides said the blanket ban had no basis on the principle of proportionality “which stipulates that the measure should be proportionate to the purpose.”

The problem lies with Cyprus’ classification of countries according to their epidemiological profile.

People coming from category A countries are permitted entry without displaying a recent negative Covid test. Those from category B need to present a clean bill of health from coronavirus before boarding a plane. Travellers from category C countries are banned apart from certain exceptions.

Individuals who do not belong in Category A or B countries and want to come to the island may apply for a special permit, which is granted by a special committee set up by the interior ministry. Applicants must be Cypriot nationals or residents, relatives of a legal resident, or a spouse.

The rule ignores altogether people in relationships or those who choose not to marry – a rising trend in recent years.

“The general exclusion of individuals without an evaluation of each case individually to determine whether approval or rejection of the request of reunion of individuals in a stable relationship is justified … has no basis on the principle of proportionality,” the report said, stressing that the need for measures to fight the virus was undisputable.

In July, the EU Commission raised the matter with national authorities

“Under the current legal situation, member states can allow unmarried partners with duly attested relationships to enter the EU if they choose to do so. We repeatedly encouraged member states to use this possibility. Currently, only a minority of member states do so.

“We will continue to call on all member states to allow the entry of people in duly attested relationships with European citizens and residents without delay,” a commission spokesman said.

Lottides recommended to the ministries of health and interior to examine whether the exemptions included in the quarantine decree can be extended to include partners with in duly attested relationships.

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Coronavirus: Lottides urges review of entry rules for non-married couples (Cyprus Mail)