Adoption of European guidelines and directives continue, and Cyprus has made yet another remarkable development to improve and protect individuals traveling to and from Cyprus.
The Schengen Information System (SIS) database is a record of 90 million people that is shared digitally across Schengen countries across Europe.
On July 25th, European Commission extended access to the SIS to Cyprus, for use by border authorities to identify and verify incoming citizens for past issues with the law.
“The Schengen Information System (SIS) is the most widely used and largest information sharing system for security and border management in Europe. As there are no internal borders between Schengen countries in Europe, SIS compensates for border controls and is the most successful cooperation tool for border, immigration, police, customs and judicial authorities in the EU and the Schengen associated countries.” - Schengen Information System, European Commission
“There is no doubt that the interconnection of Cyprus with the SIS, will help majorly in the fight against crime at the national as well as the European level.” - Director of the Cyprus SIRENE (Supplementary Information Requested at the National Entries) bureau, Dora Nikandrou
On July 25, Cyprus was given access to the system, and since then has conducted 48 positive searches primarily focused on cases concerning vulnerable children. Additionally, they also utilized the system to search for individuals wanted by judicial authorities and those potentially linked to terrorism.
We are glad to see such important initiatives and efforts being made to enhance the protection of Cyprus and its citizens.