NICOSIA: Cyprus has successfully repatriated more migrants in 2024 than the number of those who arrived, as stated by Nicholas Ioannides, Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection. Ioannides highlighted that since January, 8,500 individuals have been sent back to their countries of origin, while about 6,000 entered Cyprus during the same period.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannides noted a significant decline in arrivals from Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, and Cameroon, with figures dropping by over 90% compared to previous years. The year 2024 marks the first time that repatriations have outnumbered arrivals, reflecting the effectiveness of current migration policies. In his address at a conference by the Institute of Demographic and Migration Policy, Ioannides mentioned that Cyprus, relative to its population, receives the highest number of asylum applications within the EU.
Ioannides pointed out that nearly 6% of Cyprus’s population comprises asylum applicants and beneficiaries o
f international protection, much higher than the 1% average seen in other European countries. In 2022, Cyprus saw 21,565 new asylum applications, a rise from 13,235 in 2021, and from 2015 to 2022, there was a 735% increase in such applications. Around 18,000 individuals have been granted international protection status over the last decade.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the efforts made by his ministry to manage migration flows and maintain social cohesion. Strategic measures have been implemented to reduce irregular migrant arrivals, which is crucial for easing the pressure on the asylum system and ensuring it remains sustainable for those genuinely in need of protection.
Ioannides also addressed the challenges of controlling the buffer zone, noting that Turkey facilitates migrant flows into occupied areas via air and sea routes. Cyprus has proposed cooperation with international organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to ensure safe repatriation conditions for
Syrian refugees. Enhanced cooperation with Frontex has been reported as well.
Reception centers such as Pournara First Reception Center and a new one in Limnes have been established in Cyprus to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. The authorities have managed to reduce the processing time for asylum applications significantly, with some being processed within a few weeks. An action plan for the integration of legal immigrants has also been drafted. Ioannides mentioned the recent Cabinet decision to revoke subsidiary protection status from migrants involved in serious criminal offenses.