Alpha News

Chaos and Strong Reactions to the Housing Grant

Published January 27, 2026, 19:19

There is confusion and strong reactions regarding the housing scheme for the revitalization of mountainous, border, and disadvantaged areas, as well as the additional grant for displaced persons. The Committee on Refugees discussed the issue following complaints from AKEL MPs regarding the initial assurance by the President of a 20% additional grant for displaced persons, which did not have immediate effect. According to the complaints, the provincial administrations were not informed about the additional grant, resulting in the rejection of applications from displaced persons. Furthermore, it was reported that officials in some provincial administrations were sarcastic towards citizens who inquired about the President's announcement. Ultimately, the additional grant for displaced persons is valid from this month. The Committee on Refugees has requested the Ministry of Interior to include all displaced persons approved as beneficiaries after the President's announcement in the scheme, by a decision of the Council of Ministers. The implementation of the scheme is facing problems, but the Department of Urban Planning stated that the first phase is at a satisfactory stage, with five refugee apartment buildings under construction and two to be delivered in the coming months.