Nicosia: The Deputy Ministry of Immigration and International Protection has declared that irregular immigrants located in the Buffer Zone will not be integrated into the Republic of Cyprus’s asylum system. All affected individuals have been temporarily relocated to the Kofinou reception center, enabling the necessary procedures for their transfer to third countries or deportation.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Ministry emphasized that the temporary camps within the Buffer Zone have been cleared as part of a coordinated effort. This move aligns with the Republic of Cyprus’s original stance, which was to exclude these individuals from its asylum framework. The Kofinou center serves as a transitional facility, allowing the completion of logistical procedures that were not feasible within the Buffer Zone.
In recent weeks, the Deputy Ministry has engaged in discussions with third countries to facilitate the transfer of these individuals. The ministry reiterated its position that the Green Line wil
l not be used as a passage for migrants attempting to cross from Turkey through the occupied territories into government-controlled areas. This policy aims to curb unauthorized migration routes.
The Deputy Ministry further stated that the Kofinou center will only serve as a temporary solution. The government remains committed to ensuring that all individuals are relocated, either to third countries or their countries of origin, particularly for those who do not qualify for international protection. The Republic of Cyprus continues to manage migration effectively, respecting both international and EU legal frameworks.