Cypriot eligibility rules for family reunion are the second most restrictive, after DK and tied with GR. Migrants can only be sponsors if they have an annual residence permit, which means waiting at least two years. Even then, only the migrant's spouse over the age of 21 or unmarried children are allowed to join them. Conditions include proving sufficient accommodation and income to provide for the family. Security of status would meet best practice if family members' permits were equal to their sponsor's and renewable; and if the state could only refuse to renew a permit if the applicant is found guilty of fraud in acquiring it, or is a majorpublic policy or security threat. Families have equal rights to education and training as their sponsor, but they must meet extra conditions in order to work. Moreover, they are denied access to social security, social assistance, healthcare and housing, the only other countries where this occurs are LU and UK.
