Cypriot certifiers clash over their official seal.

Photo: Pexel

News 08 NOVEMBER 2023 - 10:30

Tension is rising between the Interior Ministry and attestation officials in the Republic of Cyprus as a dispute has erupted over mismanaged attestations, misuse of the country's official stamp of approval, alleged forgery, undeclared income and allegations of dismissal of complaints lodged against them.

In search of a resolution, both parties have approached the Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs with a specific request from the attesting officials - the restoration of the original mark, which was recently replaced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, the Ministry claims that the official seals of the Republic of Cyprus have been grossly misused. It''Abuse reportedly includes involvement in the transfer of property in occupied territories, shares in companies and even suspected cases of forgery.

Worryingly, it has come to light that about 25 percent of the approximately 250 certifying officials in the Republic are under complaints relating to alleged illegitimate practices. To combat this problem, the Ministry has taken drastic measures to abolish the old seals in an effort to also change the law.

The proposed change has raised understandable concerns about attestation''officials who fear possible disruption to their established practices. A bill related to these key changes has been pending for nearly a year, causing uncertainty and concern among affected parties.

It is important to note that existing attestation workers will not lose their jobs, but the inclusion of JEPs and JEPOS in the attestation process represents a significant shift in the established order. Private attestation workers, on the other hand, will continue to perform their duties until retirement, but their attestations will be carefully registered. This registration will serve two purposes, facilitating verification and tax inquiries.

Grievances filed against certified employees,''enable