Nicosia:Sustaining the decline in irregular arrivals, ensuring effective returns, and rationalizing legal migration to meet the needs of the economy are among the objectives set by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. This announcement came in a press release issued on Sunday, coinciding with the latest European Annual Report on Asylum and Migration.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Ministry emphasized the need for EU support to help Cyprus address its actual needs and contribute meaningfully to easing pressure on its asylum system and infrastructure. The report, presented by the European Commission on November 6, places Cyprus alongside Greece, Italy, and Spain among the member states that continue to face migratory pressure due to high levels of irregular flows in previous years.
The European Commission's assessment shows that recorded irregular border crossings into Cyprus fell by 34% between July 2025 and June 2026 compared to the preceding 12-month period. This decline is attributed to fewer arrivals from Syria and continued cooperation with the Lebanese authorities. The Deputy Ministry highlighted the Commission's proposal for the 2027 Solidarity Pool, which will have its overall size and contributions determined by the Council of the European Union. The support may include the relocation of asylum seekers, financial contributions, personnel deployment, and other forms of operational assistance.
The Deputy Ministry underscored the importance of ensuring available tools address the country's actual needs and contribute substantially to easing pressure on the system and infrastructure. Cyprus has been approved for the relocation of 1,200 asylum seekers in 2026. The report also highlights Cyprus's performance in returns, noting that Cyprus records the highest number of return decisions relative to its population and GDP, while ranking among the five EU member states that carried out more than half of all returns to third countries across the bloc.
The Deputy Ministry linked these findings to governmental policies focusing on strict controls on arrivals, faster examination of asylum applications, combating migrant smuggling networks, and implementing return decisions. It stated that the protection of those genuinely entitled must be combined with the return of those without a legal right to remain, respecting European and international law fully.
Progress by member states in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum is also recorded in the report. Regarding Cyprus, the Deputy Ministry noted the introduction of new screening procedures at the Pournara First Reception Centre, legislative and administrative framework adjustments, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced coordination among competent services.
The Deputy Ministry reiterated its commitment to utilizing European tools and cooperation with partners to reduce pressure on public services and local communities, accelerate procedures, and ensure effective implementation of return decisions.