The potential opening of new border checkpoints is expected to create significant additional staffing needs for the Customs Department, while the operating costs of the seven existing border crossings are projected to reach nearly €1.6 million in 2025. Speaking on the Alpha News program, the Department’s spokesperson, Giorgos Konstantinou, analyzed the operational difficulties and staffing needs arising from the implementation of the Green Line Regulation.
“As the Customs Department, the opening of new checkpoints is a headache for us, and I’m not speaking in political terms,” he noted, clarifying that the concern relates exclusively to staffing the crossing points. According to him, 25 customs officers are needed daily to staff four checkpoints around the clock, while six hourly-wage workers are employed at the three newest crossing points—Kato Pyrgos, Lefka-Apliki, and Deryneia—where 12-hour shifts are in effect. As he explained, the deployment of personnel at the roadblocks diverts manpower from the Department’s other daily operations, with the discussion about opening four more checkpoints further intensifying these concerns.
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Referring to the financial aspect, Mr. Konstantinou revealed that “the cost for 2025 exceeds 1.5 million,” clarifying that the exact amount is €1,594,742 for the operation of the seven checkpoints. A large portion of the expenditure relates to the salaries of the employees manning the checkpoints. Regarding the possible operation of new checkpoints, he expressed the view that the Department would receive additional staff, noting that “we believe the Department will receive additional staff—either on an hourly basis or as customs personnel—which will help staff the new border crossing points as well, should they open.”
Regarding the operation of the existing roadblocks, he explained that the Customs Department and the Police maintain a permanent presence at the seven checkpoints operating under the control of the Republic of Cyprus. In addition, the Pergamos and Strovilia crossing points fall under the jurisdiction of the British Bases, where the Green Line Regulation also applies. He clarified that the checkpoints on Ledra Street and at Ledra Palace serve pedestrians, while the Agios Dometios checkpoint is the only one through which goods are transported for commercial purposes from the occupied areas.
The Department’s spokesperson also emphasized the importance of customs expertise in inspections, referring to cases of smuggling of tobacco products, fuel, and counterfeit goods, as well as to the seizures carried out at crossing points. “The experience of customs officials in conducting inspections is very important, and I believe that this is perhaps now the most competent government agency to carry out these inspections,” he noted, explaining that in serious cases, investigators are also involved, while, depending on the situation, other relevant government agencies are called upon to assist.
Finally, when asked about the Kokkina border crossing—which is listed on the Customs Department’s website but is not yet operational—he clarified that “it has been approved as a crossing point, but has not yet become operational.” As he explained, the approval of new crossing points is granted by the European Commission under the Green Line Regulation, while any decision to open additional checkpoints would need to be accompanied by the necessary arrangements to ensure they are adequately staffed.
