US Under-Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Planning at the Department of Homeland Security Rob Law wrapped up a two-day visit to Nicosia on 14 July, holding talks with Deputy Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides and Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to expand collaboration on migration management, cyber-security and critical-infrastructure protection. Of particular interest to the corporate mobility community, officials confirmed that Cyprus has now met the technical benchmarks for entry into Washington’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—including low refusal rates for B-category visas and full implementation of e-passports with embedded biometric chips. The file will proceed to the final review phase at the US Department of State later this year. Cyprus’ inclusion in the VWP would allow its citizens to travel to the United States visa-free for business or tourism stays of up to 90 days, streamlining executive travel for the island’s growing financial-services and shipping sectors. Cypriot companies hosting American staff would likewise benefit, as reciprocal short-stay facilitation is typically negotiated in parallel. The talks also covered data-sharing to dismantle smuggling networks in the Eastern Mediterranean, joint training for asylum-screening officers and the possible deployment of US border-technology pilots—including facial-recognition e-gates—at Larnaca International Airport. Business groups welcomed the announcement, noting that stronger security partnerships often accelerate clearance of trusted-traveller lanes that cut connection times. A public-information campaign will roll out once the US final decision is taken; Cypriot travellers are advised not to cancel any scheduled embassy appointments until the effective date of VWP participation is formally gazetted.
Source: Cyprus Mail
