Nicosia: In 2024, Cyprus had the highest number of asylum applications per 1,000 people in the EU, according to the Asylum and Migration overview for 2024 by the European Migration Network (EMN). The report outlines the main legal, policy, and operational developments in the fields of asylum and migration across the EU and at national level for the year 2024. Among other findings, the report highlights the significant 42% decrease in asylum applications submitted in Cyprus compared to 2023, ranking the country 8th EU-wide in absolute numbers.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus received 6,750 asylum applications in 2024, equivalent to 7.23 applications per 1,000 people. By comparison, 11,660 applications were submitted in 2023, 21,590 in 2022, and 13,260 in 2021. The 42% decrease mirrors a similar reduction in Lithuania. Other countries with higher annual decreases included Romania (-77%), Estonia (-67%), Slovakia (-64%), Austria (-60%), Latvia (-51%), Finland (-49%), and Bulgaria (-46%).
Cyprus also ranked 3rd EU-wide in 2024 for the share of third-country nationals in its population, with 13.8%, following Malta (20.4%) and Estonia (16.3%).
The report identifies 2024 as a milestone year with the adoption of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which establishes a more coordinated and unified EU migration management framework, entering into force in June 2026.
For the first time, the total number of asylum applications across the EU decreased by 13% compared to 2023.
A major development in Cyprus was the transfer of migration and asylum responsibilities from the Civil Registry and Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior to the newly established Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. The coordination on trafficking in human beings was also transferred to the new Deputy Ministry. Training sessions for police officers and other officials to enhance their ability to identify victims of trafficking were organised. Moreover, Cyprus published a guidebook for victims of exploitation and trafficking in human beings.
The report highlights that Cyprus made progress toward its full accession to the Schengen area. The country continued to implement the relevant Schengen recommendations and completed its first Schengen evaluation. Measures taken included increasing consular personnel, improving return procedures, harmonising practices with the Schengen Borders Code, developing interoperable databases and control systems, upgrading infrastructure, and initiating representation agreements.
It is also reported that Cyprus began upgrading its reception centres, aiming to increase Kofinou centre’s capacity to 750 beds, and develop new digital consultation interfaces to enable seamless data-sharing between asylum institutions. Cyprus, jointly with Greece, used EU co-funding to implement an AI-based system for border surveillance. Reforms were also implemented to combat irregular stay and improve the effectiveness of returns, including enhanced operational efforts to detect irregularly staying migrants and the enforcement of return decisions. Cyprus also increased its participation in Frontex activities, supporting the development of best practices on alternatives to detention. Notably, the Aliens and Immigration Unit of the police took part in Frontex-led training on forced return escorts, and the country participated in 16 Frontex Joint Return Operations.
In February 2024, the Cyprus Police’s Aliens and Immigration Headquarters established a specialised Unit for Combating Illegal Smuggling of Migrants. The unit’s mission is to dismantle criminal smuggling networks and address underlying conditions enabling their expansion. The unit consists of two offices: the Intelligence Collection Office and the Intelligence Evaluation, Processing and Analysis Office. It is staffed by a team of seven police officers.
Among the responsibilities of the new Deputy Ministry is the development of a comprehensive Integration Strategy. Regarding early integration measures, the EMN report mentions that Cyprus implemented projects co-financed under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021-2027. On age assessment for minors, Cyprus drafted standard operating procedures with support from the European Union Agency for Asylum. In 2024, Cyprus also adopted measures to extend support to all unaccompanied minors reaching adulthood, including vocational training and language courses. The country also planned to implement a pre-paid bank card system to facilitate payments and address difficulties migrants face in opening bank accounts. Cyprus’s Asylum Service signed an agreement with the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) to formalise the provision of free public healthcare for asylum seekers.