**Cyprus' Visa Waiver Bid Stalls Amid US Program Review**
Cyprus' efforts to join the United States' visa waiver program have hit a pause as the US government conducts a comprehensive review of the scheme. This development has left the island nation in a state of uncertainty regarding its potential inclusion in the program, which would allow eligible travelers to visit the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
According to sources cited by the Cyprus News Agency, American authorities have acknowledged the technical progress made by Cyprus in meeting the necessary requirements for membership. However, the US government is currently reassessing the visa waiver program as a whole, leading to a freeze on new admissions. This means that, despite Cyprus meeting certain criteria, its application remains on hold.
The situation follows a visit to Cyprus by Rob Law, the US Undersecretary for Strategy at the Department of Homeland Security, last month. During this visit, Law confirmed that Cyprus had successfully completed the required technical criteria for the program. After his discussions with Irene Piki, the Deputy Minister to the President, it was stated that further consideration of Cyprus’ application would proceed in line with internal US procedures.
To qualify for the visa waiver program, countries must maintain a non-immigrant visa refusal rate below three percent, utilize secure travel documents, and demonstrate close cooperation with US law enforcement and immigration authorities. Cyprus has been working diligently towards these goals, and officials have indicated that the country is nearing the threshold for the visa refusal rate, which has been described as one of the final hurdles in the application process.
Cyprus' journey towards potential membership in the visa waiver program gained momentum last year when a US delegation conducted a technical assessment of the country's security systems. This visit was characterized by President Nikos Christodoulides as “absolutely constructive,” and it was suggested that Cyprus could become the 43rd country to join the program, joining the ranks of 24 of the 27 EU member states that are already participants.
The application process has involved several legislative and diplomatic steps, including the ratification of an intergovernmental agreement that allows for the exchange of information between Cyprus and the United States regarding individuals suspected of or under investigation for serious crimes. This agreement builds on a previous accord signed in December 2015 aimed at preventing and combating serious crime.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis has previously highlighted the importance of the visa refusal rate threshold, noting that Cyprus has come “very close” to achieving this target. The ongoing review by the US government, however, adds a layer of complexity to the situation, leaving the timeline for Cyprus' potential inclusion in the visa waiver program uncertain.
As the US continues its reassessment of the visa waiver program, the future of Cyprus' bid remains unclear. Stakeholders in Cyprus are hopeful that the technical advancements made will ultimately lead to a favorable outcome, but the current hold on new admissions underscores the challenges that lie ahead in navigating the intricate processes of international immigration policy.