Hunting licence fees in Cyprus are set to rise significantly under a Ministry of Interior bill now in public consultation. If approved by parliament, the standard licence fee will jump from €77 to €120.
- The bill has been placed in public consultation, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback before it is sent to parliament for further debate.
The proposed changes amend the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Laws from 2003 to 2021, with the aim of updating the fees applicable to hunters of all ages. For those aged 65 to 80, the licence fee will increase from €43 to €65, while hunters aged 80 and over will continue to receive their licences free of charge.
In addition to the immediate increases, the bill includes a provision for a five per cent increase in the standard licence fee every four years. This adjustment will take effect from 1 August of the year in which the four-year period concludes.
According to Phileleftheros, the increase is deemed necessary as licence fees have remained unchanged for 21 years, with the current rates established in 2005. The revenue generated from these hunting licences is expected to be directed towards the Game and Fauna Service, facilitating game development and supporting wildlife and environmental protection.
Last year, approximately 37,000 individuals either issued new or renewed their hunting licences. However, there has been a noticeable decline in the trend for outdoor activities, including hunting, with fewer people opting to renew their licences. Contributing factors include reduced game stocks and challenging weather conditions.
The bill has been placed in public consultation, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback before it is sent to parliament for further debate.
