Handbook - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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HANDBOOK FOR OVERSEAS & REPATRIATED CYPRIOTSchanges in your sleep patterns, mood swings, anger and impatience, depression, loss ofinterest in others and in activities you once enjoyed, as well as withdrawal and loss of yoursense of humour. You must remember that reactions such as these are common, and youand your family will require a period of personal adjustment. You should pay attention toemotional changes, as well as to practical changes in your daily life. Although no tworepatriates will react the same way to settling in, all repatriates, individuals and families,need to give themselves time, space and support.Everyone is different, and both the excitement – perhaps coupled with disillusionment –and the readjustment period will be unique to each individual. However, experts haveoutlined four main stages a repatriate should expect to experience at some level ofintensity and for varying lengths of time.The first phase, which is sometimes brief, is the processes of disengagement. It startswhen you have decided to move and are preparing to pack, saying goodbye to familiarsurroundings, to routines, to family and friends. This period is full of anticipation andexcitement, full of expectations of what’s to come.The next phase, the second, is generally characterized by excitement and feelings ofconviction. It is during this phase that the repatriate is fascinated by his or her new homeand full of positive feelings – it might feel as if you are still on holiday. This phase givesway to the third phase, which is characterized by disorientation and frustration. During thisphase the repatriate will focus on the negative aspects of the culture and will have anostalgic view of what he or she left behind. Many people find this stage the most difficult,as it is rife with feelings of anxiety and disillusionment.The fourth stage of repatriation is adjustment, when old routines begin to blend with therepatriate’s new way of life. Feelings of isolation begin to dissipate, and an understandingof the process begins to take hold – you’ll reach a new level of acceptance, and your newsurroundings will finally begin to feel more like ‘home’. You’ll function well in your newsurroundings, and as a bicultural individual you will begin to adopt some of the traits andbehaviours that complement your new life.The process of settling in requires a conscious effort on your part to participate in culturaland community activities. This could be anything from joining the parent action group atyour child’s school to attending exhibitions, festivals, fetes and shows. Give yourselfand your family time to get acquainted with your new surroundings. Feelings such asdisorientation and anger are temporary, and should subside as you readjust.Did you know?There are four main stages thatrepatriates go through whenreturning. It is part of what is knownas reverse culture shock and caninclude a rollercoaster of emotions.• The first stage, often calleddisengagement, is the time whenyou start to pack, say goodbye tofriends and familiar surroundingsand prepare for your new home.• The second stage is usuallyexciting and euphoric. This is whenyou are experiencing your cultureas a resident and not a holidaymaker.• The third, and often the mostchallenging stage, is the withdrawalstage, where feelings of anxiety,confusion and animosity begin toseep in. This is the stage whererepatriates miss the routine and theway of life they learnt in their hostcountries and begin to feel alienatedand sometimes hostile to theirsurroundings. Many choose toabandon their efforts to repatriateat this stage.• The final stage is generally calledthe readjustment and adaptionphase. Often feelings of enthusiasmand enjoyment start to come back.At this stage, repatriates celebratetheir bi-cultural identity; theyembrace the positive traits theyhave brought with them and theculture in which they now liveand work.11
HANDBOOK FOR OVERSEAS & REPATRIATED CYPRIOTSRemember• Application for residencymust be made within fourmonths of entry into Cyprus.• Application forms can befound online or at the CivilRegistry and MigrationDepartment of the Ministryof Interior.• Accompanying documentsand photographs must beoriginals. You should alsoprovide certified copieswhere indicated.Early on, whilst you are still euphoric and excited about returning to Cyprus, make sureyou find a place of retreat, one you can get to easily and regularly. This may be a vistapoint in the Troodos Mountains, a place by the beach or even one of the island’srevitalized villages. Whenever you feel like withdrawing, this kind of safe place willhelp you rebalance. Make sure this is a place you and your family can access andenjoy whenever necessary.This handbook will guide you towards agencies and service centers that will help youto settle in. You will find highlighted points to bear in mind when considering: residencyinformation regarding moving your goods (page 16); bringing your car (page 20).Information regarding your National Service commitment, or that of your children,along with an explanation of exit permit issues, is found on page 36.Entry and Stay in CyprusPersons of Cypriot origin who have not acquired Cypriot citizenship are consideredCypriot citizens and have the same rights as Cypriot citizens. They are exempted fromall immigration procedures – they may enter Cyprus without a visa, and they mayremain in Cyprus, and work in Cyprus, for as long as they wish.Third country nationals married to Cypriot citizens do not acquire any privileges orrights through marriage. They must apply for registration as aliens, and they must alsoapply for temporary residence and work permits, although they have free access to thelabour market.EU nationals married to Cypriot citizens have the right to reside in Cyprus for a periodof up to three months without any conditions or formalities, but they must be inpossession of a valid identity card or passport. For periods of residence longer thanthree months, EU nationals must apply for registration at the Civil Registry andMigration Department within four months of their arrival. EU nationals have freeaccess to the labour market.Children of Cypriot citizens need to be registered in the Republic.12
Page 1 and 2: Republic of CyprusMinistry of Forei
Page 3 and 4: Handbook for Overseas andRepatriate
Page 6 and 7: HANDBOOK FOR OVERSEAS & REPATRIATED
Page 45 and 46: INDEXAaccession, 30Animals, 23, 24A
Page 47 and 48: Contacts - Telephone Numbers
Page 49 and 50: Notes

Handbook - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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