Nicosia:Illegal migration flows in Cyprus have decreased by 92% compared to figures from 2022, as stated by Deputy Minister Nicholas Ioannides. On Monday, Ioannides presented the Deputy Ministry's 2027 budget to the House financial and budgetary affairs committee, highlighting a budget amounting to 60.2 million euros, which marks a reduction compared to 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannides reported that approximately 200,000 valid residence permits are currently in effect in Cyprus, and around 20,000 individuals have been granted asylum. The total count of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection across the country stands at 30,000.
The Deputy Minister detailed the budget allocation, noting that 58.1 million euros are designated for recurrent expenditure, while 2.1 million euros are reserved for development projects. The budget reduction from 2026, when it was 74.7 million euros, is attributed to the completion of significant construction projects. Ioannides mentioned that 90% of the 2027 budget, excluding payroll expenses, is anticipated to be covered by European funds.
Under the new European Union budget for the 2028-2034 period, Cyprus is expected to receive approximately 800 million euros for migration-related issues. Ioannides also informed the committee that illegal arrivals and new asylum applications have seen a substantial decline, with a reduction in pending asylum applications as well.
During the current administration, since the start of 2026, over 8,600 third-country nationals have left Cyprus, totaling approximately 40,000 departures. Ioannides noted that the majority of residence permits have been issued to Russian nationals, with 5,000 permits granted to Israeli nationals.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the completion of upgrades to the "Pournara" facility and the expansion of the Kofinou reception center, with the Limnes reception center handover expected in November. These projects were 84% co-financed by European funds.
Committee members acknowledged the improvements in migration management and posed several questions to Ioannides. In response, he addressed topics such as staff shortages, asylum seeker allowances, crime, and migration flows. He noted that 46 permanent positions are to be filled by 2027 to address staff shortages.
Regarding asylum seeker allowances, Ioannides stated that expenditures, which were 33 million euros in 2022, are not expected to exceed 13 million euros by 2026, marking a 20 million euro reduction over four years. He also mentioned that the legal status of individuals deemed a public safety threat has been revoked.
The Deputy Minister clarified illegal residency criteria and reported that the administration has managed to eliminate sea arrivals and significantly reduce crossings via the buffer zone. He stated that 1,500 arrivals have been documented from January 2026 to date, compared to 14,000 during the same period in 2022.
As of January 1, 2026, the Deputy Ministry is responsible for accommodating unaccompanied minors, with 120 minors, mainly from Syria and Somalia, currently hosted in Cyprus. Ioannides reported on the occupancy levels of reception centers and the financial allowances provided to residents.
Repatriation efforts saw 75% executed voluntarily, and the 2027 priority is the effective implementation of the European Pact, enhancing returns, and collaborating with origin and transit countries. Ioannides also discussed advancements in the information system for managing returns, expanding electronic services, and the development of targeted legal migration policies.
Additionally, he emphasized the full implementation of the national integration strategy, focusing on Greek language acquisition, skills development, legal employment, and integration into Cypriot society.
Source Cyprus News Agency