Nicosia: Cyprus' migration management model was presented to a delegation of US congressional staff and Senate advisers during a visit to the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection on Wednesday, as part of enhanced Cyprus-US strategic cooperation on security, migration and regional stability.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting presented Cyprus' migration management model, based on strong protection of the borders and the ceasefire line, maritime patrols, faster asylum procedures, effective returns, the fight against criminal migrant smuggling networks, and legal migration pathways based on the actual needs of society and the economy.

Particular emphasis was placed on Cyprus' position as a frontline EU member state in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, the challenges posed by its geography, the ceasefire line and regional instability, as well as Cyprus' transition from the passive management of arrivals to an active and credible migration policy.

The delegation was also briefed, according to the press release, on the implementation of the EU's new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the Cyprus Presidency's contribution to negotiations on the new Return Regulation, the revised Scheme for Assisted Voluntary Repatriation of Families to Syria (SFAS-B'), reforms in legal migration and the digital transformation of the Deputy Ministry's services.

The briefing also focused on Cyprus' efforts to join the US Visa Waiver Programme and the Schengen Area.

'These are two important priorities linked, on the one hand, to security and the further deepening of the Cyprus-US strategic relationship and, on the other, to the country's European path,' the Deputy Ministry said.

It further noted that Cyprus is demonstrating in practice that, as a frontline EU member state and a reliable partner of the United States, it can effectively manage complex migration and regional challenges while respecting the rule of law and its international obligations.