In the Republic of Cyprus, they want to get rid of taxi drivers from the north

Alexis Vafiadis, the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Public Works of the Republic of Cyprus, has presented a draft law on legal measures against individuals and legal entities advertising private taxi services on social media. The draft law is aimed at taxis and minibuses with license plates from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus that transport tourists from Larnaca and Paphos airports to the northern part of the island.

According to the newspaper "Politis," the proposed draft law stipulates that the administration of Greek Cypriots can take legal action against individuals and legal entities advertising taxi services on their private cars on social media.

The justification for the Ministry of Transport's draft law states that vehicles from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus cross the checkpoints in the buffer zone as private vehicles, not as taxis or buses, as their owners do not have licenses from the Republic of Cyprus for passenger transport.

During a briefing in parliament, the Minister of Transport stated that "with this draft law, they aim to combat those who transport tourists, especially at Larnaca Airport, to hotels and tourist attractions in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in taxis and minibuses with Turkish Cypriot license plates."

Alexis Vafiadis noted that the draft law will also apply to buses organizing tours or transportation between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus.

According to the draft law, drivers violating the law can be fined 750 euros, and the person registered with the vehicle can be fined 1500 euros.

In case of repeated violations, imprisonment for up to 12 months or a fine of up to 5,000 euros may be imposed.