Cyprus, UNHCR and University of Cyprus (2023), Perceptions of Cypriots about Refugees, Asylum seekers and Migrants: An opinion poll, University of Cyprus, on behalf of UNHCR Cyprus, Nicosia, March 2023.

Country

Cyprus

Title

Cyprus, UNHCR and University of Cyprus (2023), Perceptions of Cypriots about Refugees, Asylum seekers and Migrants: An opinion poll, University of Cyprus, on behalf of UNHCR Cyprus, Nicosia, March 2023.

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Year

2023

Publication type

Survey evidence/report

Geographical coverage

National

Area/location of interest

Not applicable - national level

Type of Institution

Academic/research institution

Institution

Cyprus, UNHCR and University of Cyprus

Thematic focus

Public perceptions and attitudes

Groups

Refugees & asylum seekers

Key findings

According to 1.4% of participants, the main reason why refugees and/or asylum seekers come to Cyprus is because they are sent by "Turkey/Islamists". Amongst the main themes which emerged from the discussions, there were 460 references which represents 22.1%, under the category of “Negative/Threat” whereby migrants are perceived as threatening, which included the term 'Muslims'. The term ‘Muslims’ was referred to alongside the terms "liars", uncivilised storm in Cyprus", "we are full", "nausea", "terrorism", "taking people's jobs" and "trespassing", demonstrating negative and xenophobic predisposition towards Muslims by a section of the population.

Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)

Qualitative and quantitative

Sample details and representativeness

Qualitative: three focus group with a total of 19 Greek Cypriot participants of hetergeneous background. Quantitative: large scale telephone survey with a total of 1,057 responses, out which 46.7$ were male and 55.3% female, from both urban and rural areas in the territories under the control of the Republic of Cyprus. The focus groups discussed perceptions of Cypriots towards asylum seekers and refugees.

DISCLAIMERThe information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.