Copenhagen: Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas Ioannides, presented Cyprus’ returns programme to the EU Informal Justice and Home Affairs Council. The programme has effectively increased the number of third-country nationals returning, as stated in an official press release issued in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Council participants discussed aspects of an effective common system of returns. Ioannides emphasized the need for a sound legal framework that allows member states flexibility while providing clear regulations on the obligations and rights of third-country nationals. This framework would facilitate imposing sanctions in cases of non-compliance.
Ioannides also stressed the importance of using effective incentives to encourage voluntary returns and implementing uniform regulations to prevent abuses and secondary movements. He highlighted the need to establish strategic partnerships with third countries to cover areas of mutual interest within the exte
rnal dimension of migration.
On the sidelines of the Informal Council, Ioannides held bilateral meetings with Austrian Federal Interior Minister Gerhard Karer and Luxembourg’s Interior Minister Léon Gloden. They discussed issues related to the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency, Cyprus’ accession to the Schengen zone, and the repatriation of third-country nationals.