Allegations Against TRNC Universities Submitted to the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education

Cypriot authorities have lodged a complaint with the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) against universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The complaint revolves around suspicions that these educational institutions may be involved in human trafficking.

Two ministries of the Greek Cypriot administration—Interior and Education—have filed the complaint. According to Greek Cypriot media reports, the complaint cites 188 instances where individuals from third countries entered TRNC on student visas issued by Turkish Cypriot authorities and subsequently relocated to the Republic of Cyprus to seek asylum.

The Cypriot government alleges that some students enrolled in TRNC universities might have been "virtual," which authorities believe "could indicate human trafficking."

ENQA has launched an investigation into the universities mentioned in the complaint, where the 188 individuals studied.

It's noteworthy that last year, Cypriot authorities conducted a social media campaign titled "Let's Tell the Truth About Cyprus," aimed at dissuading potential asylum seekers from traveling to the island.

Previously, reports indicated that the UN Refugee Agency's Office of the High Commissioner stated that 31 asylum seekers were stranded in the buffer zone while attempting to cross from the northern part of the island to the south.

This complaint to ENQA comes amidst an ongoing scandal related to the issuance of fake diplomas by TRNC universities.

Currently, there are 38 universities operating in the TRNC, with 28 established since 2011.

Read more: Universities of Northern Cyprus