Nicosia, Cyprus. Non-governmental organisation Kisa said on Friday that the social welfare services department had abruptly ended accommodation and food support for 23 Indian nationals, leaving them homeless during a heatwave.
Kisa said it had temporarily converted part of its offices into a dormitory after the individuals were required to leave their accommodation.
Temporary shelter
Kisa said its office premises were unsuitable for residential use but had been converted temporarily to prevent the individuals from sleeping on the streets.
The organisation had warned on Wednesday that the social welfare services department intended to remove the migrants, whom it described as victims of exploitation, from their accommodation.
According to Kisa, the 23 individuals were informed by the department on Tuesday that they would be required to vacate their accommodation.
Employment restrictions
Kisa said the individuals are not permitted to work until they find new eligible employers.
It said they therefore have no means to rent accommodation or cover basic needs, including food.
Alleged deception
The 23 individuals are part of a group of 50 migrants from India who were allegedly deceived by a company, a private employment agency and associates in Limassol, Kisa said.
The organisation said the migrants arrived in Cyprus with substantial debt and subsequently found that they had allegedly been deceived about wages, employment conditions, accommodation and their wider living circumstances.
The Cyprus Mail said it contacted the social welfare services department but received no response.
