Nicosia: The operations of the Republic of Cyprus are fully compliant with the law, Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides told the Parliamentary Audit Committee, in response to questions from MPs concerning reports of pushbacks and the prolonged presence of asylum seekers in the buffer zone. The committee was examining the Audit Office’s report on the Deputy Ministry’s activities between 2021 and 2024.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannides addressed concerns about alleged pushbacks by asserting that “the actions of the Republic’s authorities are lawful,” emphasizing that the Coast Guard’s patrols are aimed at combating human trafficking and responding to search and rescue calls. He referenced a 2024 European Court of Human Rights ruling related to a 2020 case where individuals had reached Cyprus’ shore before being returned. “Cyprus acts in open waters within its designated search and rescue zone, aiming to save lives,” he said, noting that the UNHCR representative confirmed before Parliament that Cyprus was not involved in a recent shipwreck. He reiterated, “Our operations are legal and carried out with professionalism.”
Ioannides further clarified that recent operations between Cyprus and Syria were purely search and rescue missions under a 2009 bilateral agreement. He highlighted that Cyprus coordinated with Syrian authorities to ensure rescued individuals were safely returned to the nearest port with guarantees of their well-being, which was verified.
Addressing the issue of asylum seekers in the UN-controlled buffer zone, Ioannides pointed to Turkey’s role in enabling migrants to travel through its territory into the occupied areas of Cyprus, from where smugglers facilitated their movement into government-controlled areas. This situation, he noted, presents broader challenges in monitoring the Green Line and preventing irregular migration, in line with EU regulations.
Ioannides stated, “We aimed to send a message-primarily to Turkey and traffickers-that Cyprus will not tolerate the instrumentalization of people,” while confirming that humanitarian needs of those in the buffer zone were met, including access to food, water, and medical care.
He also outlined progress in migration management, reporting a 65% decrease in irregular arrivals compared to 2022. As of 2024, Cyprus has recorded 6,100 arrivals and 6,700 asylum applications, the lowest figure since 2017. Returns have surged, exceeding 10,000 in 2024, with more than 25,000 since the current administration took office.
The Deputy Minister noted the backlog of pending applications has decreased from 25,000 to 18,800, with 13,000 from Syrian nationals. He mentioned that some applications are now being rejected, particularly where applicants declare they are not at risk in Syria and seek work instead.
Ioannides emphasized the need for strengthening legal migration pathways and integration strategies to help legal residents adapt and avoid social exclusion. While acknowledging the unpredictability of future migration flows due to regional instability, he called for EU solidarity, not just in funding or staffing, but also in relocating migrants across member states.