First Reception Centre | CODECA Cyprus

PROVISION OF SERVICES AT THE FIRST RECEPTION CENTRE (FRC)

People who arrive in Cyprus seeking international protection have to spend a short amount of time at the First Reception Centre.

When asylum-seekers arrive in Cyprus are transferred at the First Reception Centre (Pournara) where, under normal circumstances*, they are accommodated for 72 hours. Specifically, the centre functions as a First Arrival Registration Centre; the services currently offered at the Centre include identification, registration and lodging of asylum applications as well as medical screening and vulnerability assessment. The medical test includes tuberculosis screening (Mantoux test), HIV and Hepatitis.

Therefore, the FRC aims to manage the arrival of people who seek international protection in Cyprus and assist on the first stages of the overall asylum-seeking process.

*Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the residents at the FRC have to stay at the centre for longer periods of time.

The First Reception Centre located in Kokkinotrimithia area (Nicosia District), is running under the auspices of the Civil Defence in Cyprus and it is funded by the Internal Security Fund (ISF) -Borders and Visas. The centre, has currently underwent reconstruction in order to improve its infrastructure and accommodation conditions. At the premises prefabricated constructions have been installed to replace the tents. Also, larger tents have been installed at specific areas of the centre in order to increase the capacity of the camp and to develop a segment as a quarantine area. Some of the prefabricated constructions are used as spaces for the personnel and for necessary services.

First Reception Centre for people who seek international protection in Cyprus

A Safe Zone area has been developed which hosts families, unaccompanied children and other vulnerable people.

Cyprus Red Cross also provides services to all newcomers.

CODECA provides management services at the First Reception Camp

At FRC CODECA handles the daily operational management of the centre, and coordinates the overall operation of the premises. CODECA provides well-trained and capable front-line personnel, specifically to fulfill the needs of the centre working in shifts at a 24/7 basis.

Our provision of services include:

Daily management of the Centre, to ensure its smooth function
Organising and coordinating the overall operation of the premises
Maintaining the cleaning of the premises in full compliance with the Health and Safety regulations
Management of the warehouse, the inspection of the infrastructure and equipment
Small maintenance works such as hydraulic, sewerage and electrical installations
Security services

Project periods:

01/02/2020 - 30/08/20 (extended)
01/09/2020 - 15/05/2021 (extended)
16/05/2021 - 15/05/2022