cypriot citizenship — Bora Markovic, a renowned photographer and content creator, has been waiting for Cypriot citizenship for three decades. Despite residing in Cyprus since the 1990s, his applications for naturalisation have faced repeated rejection.
- As Markovic continues to promote Cyprus on a global stage, the question remains whether the authorities will recognise his dedication and grant him the citizenship he has long sought.
Markovic arrived in Cyprus at the age of ten and has since become a celebrated figure, using his talent to showcase the island’s natural beauty to an international audience via social media. His work not only highlights Cyprus’s allure but also reflects his deep integration into the local community.
However, his path to citizenship has been obstructed by what AKEL MP Christos Christofides describes as a bureaucratic gap. This gap traces back to a period in the 1990s when Markovic was still a minor and faced issues with his residence permit. Christofides has brought this matter to the attention of the Interior Minister, Konstantinos Ioannou, urging him to consider the possibility of granting honorary naturalisation.
Christofides said, “His application is repeatedly rejected due to a bureaucratic gap,” emphasising the need for a re-evaluation of Markovic’s circumstances. He pointed out that the state possesses the legal authority to grant naturalisation by exception for public interest reasons. Following the MP’s appeals, the minister is now under pressure to provide clarity on the status of Markovic’s case.
In a letter dated July 13, 2026, Ioannou outlined that the criteria for naturalisation are strictly governed by the Civil Registry Law. He mentioned that while the Council of Ministers can permit honorary naturalisation in exceptional cases, Markovic’s most recent application—submitted on November 28, 2019—was rejected on May 3, 2023. The reasons for this rejection have been communicated to him in detail.
As of now, Ioannou noted that no new application is pending, and therefore, no further action can be taken unless Markovic decides to reapply. “Given the time that has passed since Markovic’s last application, the facts assessed during that review may since have changed,” he added. The minister encouraged Markovic to submit a new application if he believes he meets the necessary legal conditions for naturalisation or honorary naturalisation.
The regulations for honorary naturalisation outline several categories for eligibility, including individuals who have provided exceptional services to the Republic or those who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture. Markovic’s contributions through his photography could potentially position him within these criteria, depending on how his case is assessed.
As Markovic continues to promote Cyprus on a global stage, the question remains whether the authorities will recognise his dedication and grant him the citizenship he has long sought.
