Moving to Cyprus

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Claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Cyprus

There has been an increase in the number of enquiries to AFF Cyprus about money matters recently. Reductions in allowances have understandably had an impact on incomes, with some people finding it tough to make ends meet. Families are often under the impression that they cannot claim UK state benefits because they live overseas, but there are options available that could help to ease the financial burden. If you have any concerns about money issues, please contact us at cyprus@aff.org.uk.

Jobseeker’s Allowance
Claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) as a dependant in Cyprus is possible but not straightforward. Unfortunately, if you already live on the island, you will not be eligible to make a claim, but if you are about to be posted to BFC and are already in receipt of contribution based JSA, it’s possible to continue receiving your allowance for up to three months. You must be in receipt of JSA on your date of departure from the UK, and you must have been claiming for less than six months. You also need to have registered as a jobseeker and have been available for work for at least four weeks before you leave - although this condition is sometimes waived.

Talk to your local Jobcentre
Before you move, talk to your local Jobcentre who will send your details to the International Pension Centre (IPC). If the IPC decides that the benefit can be paid, they will provide you with the appropriate entitlement form which authorises the Department of Labour in Cyprus to pay JSA at the UK rate. Ask your Jobcentre for an introductory letter which should assist you when registering to claim JSA in Cyprus. Allow at least two weeks prior to your departure from the UK to sort this all out!

Make it a priority
Once you arrive in Cyprus you will only have seven days to complete the registration procedure. Failure to do this will mean that you will not be able to claim JSA. So, go to your nearest Unemployment Benefit Office (UBO) as soon as possible to register your claim.

Receiving your payment
You must sign on with the UBO every two weeks. Remember, it could take up to three months for the payment to come through, and be aware that mail only goes to unit addresses in Cyprus, so you might want to open a PO Box at a local Republic of Cyprus Post Office in order to receive JSA.

If you have any problems, contact AFF Cyprus for advice.

Useful contacts:

Directgov - www.direct.gov.uk
Department for Work & Pensions - www.dwp.gov.uk
UBOs (open 8am to 12pm) - Dimokratus St and Franklin Roosevelt St in Limassol; Filiou Tsigaridi St in Larnaca 6307
Nicosia District Labour Office - 22401601

If you have any questions about JSA, the Armed Forces Childcare Voucher Scheme, or any other benefits to which you might be entitled in Cyprus, contact your local AFF Co-ordinator at either esba@affcyprus.org or wsba@affcyprus.org.

If you have found it difficult to claim a benefit to which you are entitled because you are posted overseas, let AFF know so that we can raise the issue on your behalf with the appropriate Government department.

Medical Provision in Cyprus

If you have recently arrived in Cyprus or are due to be posted here in the near future you may be asking yourself what the medical provision is like in BFC. This article is designed to give you information about what medical care is available in Cyprus and how, generally, it is provided.

First things first
One of your priorities when you arrive in Cyprus should be to register you and your family with your local medical centre.

Medical care
Medical provision in British Forces Cyprus (BFC) is provided through military general practices located on the various stations across island as well as at the Princess Mary’s hospital (TPMH) in RAF Akrotiri. The aim is to achieve standards of healthcare at least as high as the UK NHS. In some areas the level of service exceeds that of the NHS although, as you might reasonably expect, in other areas there are limitations as to what can be provided from BFC resources or from local Cypriot facilities. Therefore, there is sometimes a need to return personnel from Cyprus to NHS care, either temporarily or sometimes on a permanent basis. Similarly, there are also circumstances where you or your family would need referral to a Cypriot hospital.

The Princess Mary’s Hospital (TPMH)
TPMH is a tri-Service hospital which provides secondary healthcare to all Service personnel and UKBCs serving in Cyprus as well as their entitled dependants. Understandably, as it serves a small population, TPMH cannot provide a full range of specialist care, but the majority of hospital admissions are dealt with. While the breadth of services may be less than those of a UK NHS hospital, the care that is provided is of a demonstrably high standard.

Maternity care
The birthing experience in TPMH is generally very positive, with one-to-one midwife care and ready access to a consultant obstetrician. Occasionally a mother will have complications which could result in a return to the UK (if the complication arises sufficiently early on) but fortunately this does not happen very often. One in twenty pregnancies (usually because of prematurity) are referred during labour to Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia, as there is no Special Care Baby Unit in TPMH. It is worth noting that home births are not catered for in BFC.

Paediatrics
TPMH does not provide an in-patient paediatric service, although there is a visiting paediatrician who provides out-patient clinics at TPMH and Dhekelia. Children's nurses work in the community in support of the Medical Centres. For admissions of older babies and children, TPMH uses the Ygia Polyclinic, a very capable private hospital in Limassol. Most of the staff speak good English and children are nursed in single rooms. Parents can stay with their child if they so wish.

Cypriot hospitals
There are some cases that cannot be dealt with in TPMH because they are admitted as an emergency at a distance from TPMH, or because they are very complex or require specialist capability. A few of these cases are sent to the UK but most are referred to hospitals in the Republic of Cyprus. This is the case when there is insufficient time to arrange aeromedical evacuation.

For example, every year there are a small handful of mothers from Ay Nik or Dhekelia whose labour is so rapid or far advanced that it is considered unlikely that there would be sufficient time to travel to TPMH (an hour and a half) and these cases are referred to Larnaca General Hospital.

Standards of healthcare in Cypriot hospitals are high, but the hospital culture is very different to that in the UK. In the public hospitals, many staff speak little or no English, and there is no tradition of explaining treatment or obtaining informed consent. Visiting hours are usually very restricted, the food is different and there is a reluctance to allow family to remain with a patient, be it a child or an adult, when procedures are taking place. This means that admission to a Cypriot hospital can be a less pleasant experience because it is one that we are not generally used to but the important factor is that the healthcare outcomes are good. TPMH provides support from bilingual liaison officers - available around the clock - and BFC patients will be visited every day by a member of the TPMH support team. Once the patient is through the acute phase of treatment, they often come to TPMH to complete their recovery.

AFF has met with TPMH liaison officers to discuss the service they provide and has had only positive feedback from people who have used the service. We have been told that the liaison officers make the experience of being treated in a Cypriot hospital much better than it otherwise would be, because of the language barrier.

Primary healthcare
There are military general practices at Akrotiri, Dhekelia and Episkopi. All three are accredited GP training practices which means that they have met the high standards required under UK regulations. There is a smaller practice at Ay Nik that works in partnership with the Dhekelia practice. The doctors are a mixture of uniformed and civilian GPs, supported by a full team of practice nurses, medics, health visitors, midwives and community children's nurses. Midwives, health visitors, children's nurses, school nurses and social workers are provided by SSAFA Forces Help.

Ambulances
112 is the emergency number in Cyprus. Dialling 112 from a military, mobile or landline phone will connect you with the Police Emergency Operator for the appropriate SBA. The operator will pass on ambulance requests to the Med Group. An ambulance will be sent from the nearest medical centre to the incident.

Existing medical conditions
If you, your partner or a dependant has an illness or condition that is being treated in the UK, it is very important that you consult with your GP or Unit Medical Officer well in advance of arriving in Cyprus. If necessary, the GP or Unit Medical Officer can discuss individual cases with a single-Service advisor or directly with the Command Medical Advisor for BFC.

Treatment of non-entitled patients
It is important to remember that there is no provision to provide free medical and dental treatment for visitors to BFC. All visitors should therefore obtain adequate medical insurance cover prior to travelling. EU travellers should also apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which should provide access to certain services within the Cypriot healthcare system. Details can be found at www.nhs.uk - under the healthcare abroad pages.

Dental services
On arrival in Cyprus, it is important to register the whole family with the Unit Dental Centre to access treatment. Treatment is provided by Defence Dental Services and it is available to all Service personnel, UK Based Civilians and their dependants with the same standards applied as that provided by the NHS in the UK. Other than in emergencies, dental treatment will not normally commence in the three months prior to moving back to the UK as it generally takes longer than this to complete. It is also best to undertake all treatment at the same practice.

Charges
Entitled civilians are required to pay charges at NHS rates. Normal NHS exemptions rules apply. Families are not encouraged to use ‘cosmetic dentistry private practices’, as there have been cases of the work not being up to the standard expected in the UK.

If you have any questions about medical services in BFC please contact AFF Cyprus on cyprus@aff.org.uk. In assisting you we will liaise with medical and dental experts as appropriate.

Thinking of bringing your pet to Cyprus?

An important member of many Army families is their pet. However, when posted to Cyprus families are not always fully aware of the rules and regulations which apply to bringing pets to the island. This article highlights some of the main issues but if you have any questions please contact AFF Cyprus at cyprus@aff.org.uk.

What are the rules and regulations?
In accordance with EU legislation, all animals entering Cyprus must have an up-to-date pet passport under the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) which can only be obtained from a vet. This will include all of the details on your pet’s vaccinations, and other vital information required to prove its readiness to enter Cyprus. The DEFRA website is an excellent source of information for all aspects of the PETS passport scheme – www.defra.gov.uk

If your pet has a pet passport, is micro-chipped and has had a rabies vaccination at least one month but not more than one year before the flight, then it can enter Cyprus without any form of quarantine. Our understanding is that this rule might change so please check with us/DEFRA for up to date information before you organise travel for your pet. Your pet’s passport is checked by Customs at the airport so you must ensure that all the relevant information has been completed accurately and is up-to-date. Additionally, you should have a suitable travel box that complies with IATA regulations for the movement of live animals.

Furthermore, your pet must have flea, tick and worm treatment 24 to 48 hours before the flight. Your vet will fill in the relevant pages of the pet passport and stamp and date it to prove that this has been done. If this treatment has not been performed, you will have to pay a further 50 Euros at the airport and your pet may be subject to one month in quarantine in Cyprus from the date of import. It is therefore best to make sure that everything is done in plenty of time so that your pet’s travel arrangements go as smoothly as possible.

If you have any questions about this process, contact the British Animal Re-homing Centre (BARC) in Episkopi on 00 357 2596 3934 or visit www.barc-cyprus.org BARC, as well as a number of other providers, provide a collection service from the airport and can also arrange boarding facilities for your pet in Cyprus. They also give advice on obtaining flights from the UK and have a list of shipping companies to consider.

What to do if bringing a dog to Cyprus
First, you should register your dog with your Sovereign Base Area Administration (SBAA) Office, either in Dhekelia or Akrotiri, at a cost of 27 Euros. This gives you a dog licence that must be renewed annually. Once your dog has been registered with the SBAA, you are required to register it for free at your Housing Community Support Office (HCSO). The dog needs to have a microchip and be fully vaccinated before being issued with an identity tag for its collar by the HCSO so, if it runs away, it can easily be identified. If you plan to have more than two pets in your Service Families Accommodation (SFA), you should check in advance with your HCSO that this will be acceptable. There are certain rules to bear in mind such as that dogs must remain on a lead at all times within the SBAs and only over 15s can walk dogs alone.

The following breeds of dogs are not allowed to enter Cyprus: American Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.

Looking out for hazards
When bringing your pet to Cyprus, there are a number of hazards and things to bear in mind:

Climate: as the temperatures soar during the summer months it is important to ensure that your pet has plenty of water available at all times and essential that they have shade during the hottest part of the day. It is best to walk your dog early in the morning and later in the evening once the temperatures have dropped.
Snakes: although not seen often, poisonous snakes do exist in Cyprus and tend to hide in longer grass, typically where your pets may want to go and explore. Some of these are bold enough to attack dogs and cats, and may even strike out at humans if threatened. If you are not sure about the area, keep your dog on a lead. If you think your pet may have been bitten, there’s a snake bite anti-venom available from all vets but it needs to be administered quickly. Symptoms include sudden swelling with associated high levels of pain, puncture wounds and paralysis. It is best to carry your pet rather than make them walk as this limits the spread of the venom. Not all snakes in Cyprus are poisonous but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Processionary caterpillars: characterised by cotton wool nests in fir trees, they are particularly hazardous to pets if swallowed. They are black in colour, with an orange stripe and venomous white spines down their back; they form up in a long procession and cross roads or paths, making them particularly fascinating to dogs and cats. If spotted close to your home, contact your Housing Estate Manager CHECK. They cause a characteristic discolouration of the tongue, excess drooling and facial swelling.
Poison: some Cypriot farmers put down bits of meat or whole carcasses filled with organophosphate poison to kill stray animals. Be careful your pet does not inadvertently eat this and if it does, seek immediate veterinary treatment. Symptoms include excessive drooling, convulsions and vomiting.

The Cyprus Military Working Dog Support Unit explains, ‘there are also many different pollens, grasses, bugs and insects that live in Cyprus compared to the UK. When your pet encounters these for the first time, they can cause your pet to have an allergic reaction. This can be scary but pets will often respond well to immediate treatment. Contact your local vet as soon as possible for advice and the correct treatment.’

Top tips for keeping a pet in Cyprus

Keep your pet up-to-date with their regular booster and rabies vaccinations
Ensure your pet is registered with the SBAA and your HCSO
Make sure your pet has plenty of water at all times
Ensure your pet is not causing a nuisance to neighbours (remember not everyone loves animals)
Check you have sufficient finances to cover the cost of having a pet.

Education in Cyprus

Whether you are just about to be posted to Cyprus or you are simply interested in how school education is organised on island, we thought it useful to give you an overview of the setup here.

Service Children’s Education (SCE) provides a good range of both primary and secondary education in Cyprus and the schools follow the same curriculum as in England.

Primary education
Episkopi, Akrotiri, Dhekelia and Ay Nik all have their own primary school so no matter where you are posted, your child will not have far to travel to get to school in the morning (remember it’s an early start here – but also an early finish to the day!). The only anomaly is if you are posted to Nicosia with UNBRITCON where primary school children generally receive their education at Highgate School. If you are posted to Nicosia and want to know more about the schooling there please let us know and our volunteer in Nicosia will be able to talk you through UN BRITCON’s arrangements.

AFF is represented on the School Governance Committee (SGC) of each primary school and has a firm grasp of what is going on at each school and the plans for the forthcoming year and beyond. If parents have any queries or concerns about schooling, these can be raised by AFF at the relevant SGC meeting. AFF receives many enquiries about education, and together with our AFF education specialist in the UK, we are well placed to assist with any questions.

Secondary education in Cyprus
Secondary education on island is provided through St John’s School in Episkopi and King Richard’s School in Dhekelia. Some families have asked us whether their child’s education would be at any disadvantage if they were posted to Cyprus. As far as we can see there are no educational disadvantages to being posted here and there are in fact many advantages. All of the SCE schools on the island follow the same curriculum as schools in England so there would be no gap in your child’s education. Attainment levels at the schools are all very high with the high schools outstripping the state schools at home. Class sizes are much smaller and the schools have a real community feel and a positive atmosphere. Additionally, once the school day is over school children have a huge range of sporting activities to choose from – not to mention the beach!

Federation proves successful
The federation of SCE’s two high schools, St John’s School in Episkopi and King Richard’s School in Dhekelia took place at the end of the 2009/2010 academic year and AFF has received positive reports from all involved. Both schools in the past have suffered from isolation and it is pleasing to see that the federation is making a positive impact in bringing the schools together. The newly formed joint federated leadership team have been able to ensure that teachers at each school are able to share ideas and developments with colleagues in the federation. There have also been some financial benefits as training for teachers and students is now jointly planned and shared between the two schools. Feedback from the students has indicated that they are enjoying the higher level of social interaction and that a spirit of cooperation has developed between the schools rather than one of rivalry. The federation is always seeking to develop its curriculum with the aim of engaging and motivating the students and to broaden both vocational and academic choices for pupils.

If you are posted to Cyprus and have any questions about education on island please contact us at cyprus@aff.org.uk. If you would like information about a specific school you might like to Google that school to find its website.

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