Cyprus-Forum.com

[pcdouguk]

Firstly can I just say thankyou for even getting this far with my topic.

I apoligise if this is in the wrong area however have only just found this site and thought it the best place to ask!

I am a 27 year old man, looking to move with my immediate family to Cyprus on a permanent basis (Mum, Aunt, Sister, Nephew, Cousin, Girlfriend) I have been reading up on the requirements and am a little concerned over the Criminal Record issue. Unfortunately I lost my father January 2005 to a particularly nasty Cancer, during this time I was a serving Police Officer working shifts on a 24/7 basis, and in my time off caring for my father who ended up bed bound unable to care for himself.

I am the first one to admit that seeing my father dying before me on a daily basis was difficult and I did not deal with it well, unfortunately during this time I was naive enough to listen to someone I considered a friend and give a false statement placing him elsewhere to avoid a speeding ticket. After a short amount of time and fully realising the extend of what I had done, I approached my then Sergeant and explained everything and that I wanted to rectify the mistake and withdraw the statement. Unfortunately the Police Service turned there back on me and released the information to the CPS.

The long and short of it is that I was convicted of Perverting the Course of Justice, the judge involved took my side over the matter and said that I had been naive and taken advantage of. I was given an 8 week curfew, £150 fine and 120hrs community service, the date of this conviction being 27/5/2005.

I have read that when applying for permanent residence, checks will be done, and that a general rule of thumb is that as long as you dont have a criminal record and are financially sound there shouldnt be an issue.

Has anyone witnessed this problem before and is anyone in a position to advise on my abiliity to relocate or not. I should mention that I am a British National and have had no prior convictions etc.

Thankyou all for your time.

Adam

[Svetlana]

Dear Adam

I appreciate your frankness. You will have no problems entering the country and getting a Visa for permanent residence. At one stage you had to apply to the Council of Ministers for permisison to buy a home here and declare any criminal record. As an EU National you no longer need do that, so I forsee absolutley no problems for you.

In occupied northern Cyprus you have to produce a Police Clearance certificate before you can get residency there - doesn't seem to stop loads of crims moving there though LOL!

If you ahve any follow up questions please ask.

Lana

[pcdouguk]

Lana,

Thanks for such a speedy reply, it is obviously something that is playing on my mind hugely.

I have no regrets admiting to my Sergeant what happened, and would do it again in the same circumstances, just hate to think i'd stop my family being able to relocate.

Dad was a police officer too, and had 2 years left to retire, upon which time him and mum were going out there to live, which is why we are so determined to move.

Ill keep my Fingers Crossed!