For the last few days I keep hearing and reading about this bit of news:
FOREIGN nationals are no longer being issued a Cyprus ID card, a decision implemented islandwide last Friday without explanation or notification from the Interior Ministry.
I do understand that Cyprus ID card is a handy thing to have. Â But I don’t see what’s the big problem about not having it is anyway. Â I’m a Cypriot now and I do have an ID card, but I lived in this country for ten years without having one, and I never knew I had a problem.
First of all, Cyprus is not some weird police state. Â One doesn’t have to prove his or her identity every day to anyone. Â Nobody is policing the street, stopping random passers-by with routine identity checks. Â The proof of identity is needed mostly when working with government and financial offices. Â With online banking and JCC online payments is there really someone who goes to the bank on a daily basis? Except bank employees of course. Â I don’t think so.
Secondly, Cyprus is a country with very weak public transport network. Â So almost everyone, if not everyone, drives a car. Â And if one drives a car, I think it’s safe to assume that driving license is not too far away. Â Cyprus driving license is not the most compactest of things and certainly not the most convenient to carry around. Â But I think it works well given how (not) far most people get from their vehicles.
Thirdly, I think having Cyprus ID cards only for Cypriots makes a lot of sense. Â I’ve seen it more than once when non-citizens pass as citizens just because they have a Cyprus ID card. Â Yes, not everyone turns it around to check for citizenship/nationality.
Fourthly, I’m sure that the majority of complaining people are British expats, who are used to much higher living conditions (including a working government) than most other expats and country guests. Â The problem is not as big as they are trying to make it. Â No offense intended.