Over the past three years, illegal arrivals in the Republic of Cyprus have decreased by 86%, said on Thursday the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas A. Ioannides, adding that the number of legal residence permits for migrants stands at 200,000 and the number of asylum holders at 30,000.

Speaking during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, Mr. Ioannidis noted that when the Deputy Ministry was established two years ago, there were 24,000 pending asylum applications, whereas today there are fewer than 13,500.

In 2025, a total of 12,029 departures were recorded, with a ratio of arrivals to departures of 1 to 5, he noted, adding that in the first half of 2026, irregular arrivals decreased by 92% compared to 2022, while approximately 35,000 third-country nationals have departed since the start of the current administration.

Speaking during the Committee meeting, Mr. Ioannidis stated that “our main goal is to transform migration from a problem we previously faced—with uncontrolled flows—into a solution, that is, to reduce irregular flows, increase returns, but at the same time emphasize the role of migration in development.”

“At the core of migration policy, of course, is always the protection of human rights, and that is a red line,” he stressed. He also noted that the European Union’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum largely reflects our own policies, to provide protection to those who are entitled to it, while at the same time safeguarding the vital interests of frontline states such as the Republic of Cyprus.

The Deputy Minister of Migration then emphasized that over the past three years, irregular arrivals have decreased by 86%, adding that when the Deputy Ministry was established two years ago, there were 24,000 pending asylum applications, whereas today there are fewer than 13,500.

He also noted that in 2025, a total of 12,029 departures were recorded, with a ratio of arrivals to departures of 1 to 5.

He further reported that in the first half of 2026, irregular arrivals decreased by 92% compared to 2022, while approximately 35,000 third-country nationals have departed since the start of the current administration.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that, in cooperation with the House of Representatives, the Refugee Law was amended so that subsidiary protection status may be revoked in cases of misconduct by foreign nationals, in accordance with the criteria set forth by international and European law.

At the same time, he noted that the two major milestones that took place during Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union were the entry into force of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the new Return Regulation.

Regarding infrastructure, the Deputy Minister of Migration noted that the upgrade of the Pournara Center was completed with 100% funding from the European Union. Referring to the Limnes Reception Center (with a capacity of 1,000 people) and the Pre-Departure Center (with a capacity of 800 people), he pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus’s capacity for returns has increased sixfold.

Regarding the issue of Syrian nationals, Mr. Ioannidis noted that more than 5,200 Syrians have withdrawn their asylum applications or renounced their subsidiary protection status, with most having returned voluntarily to Syria. At the same time, he said that nearly 2,000 asylum applications by Syrian nationals have been rejected, adding that rejections are continuing.

Referring to the new, revised Plan for Assisting the Voluntary Repatriation of Families to Syria for 2026, he said that this plan provides an opportunity for one family member to remain in Cyprus and work for two years, provided that the rest of the family withdraws their asylum applications, revoke their status, and return to their home country.

Mr. Ioannidis also noted that “we place particular emphasis on learning the Greek language and developing skills, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor.” Referring to legal immigration, he said that “we want to streamline the procedures,” adding that “everyone benefits from these procedures.”

He also noted that a new service allowing for the online renewal of certain immigration permits went into effect on Monday, adding that there are plans to further expand this service.

The Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and AKEL MP, Aristos Damianou, noted that the Deputy Ministry of Immigration “has more than enough staff” and “this is a blessing.”

DISY MP Nikoletta Konstantinou described the work of the Deputy Ministry as “positive,” while also requesting information on cases of law violations by immigrants.

DISY MP Andreas Konstantinou asked whether the amendment to the Penal Code would serve as a deterrent to crimes committed by foreigners.

DISY MP Giorgos Lysandridis asked whether there is coordination with other agencies regarding the living conditions of legally residing foreigners in Cyprus.

ELAM MP Evgenios Hamboullas requested information on the number of migrants in Cyprus and the obstacles hindering their return.

ELAM MP Andreas Papacharalambous described the migration issue as a “major existential issue.” The migration figures are positive, but “we are seeing various things happening in the neighborhoods,” he said.

DIKO Parliamentary Spokesperson Panikos Leonidou expressed satisfaction with the immigration figures and the measures taken by the government, noting that they have been effective. Migrants are people who have the right to lead a normal life, he emphasized.

DIKO MP Andreas Apostolou stated that the Deputy Minister of Migration is one of the most effective ministers in the government, adding that the Deputy Ministry has done “incredible work” in managing the migration issue. At the same time, he raised questions regarding migrants returning to their home countries and Syrian asylum seekers.

AKEL MP Ephraim Christou noted that legal immigrants must be thoroughly informed about their rights and obligations so that they are not exploited.

Michalis Paraskevas, a member of Parliament for the Alma Movement, pointed out that there are no provisions for the integration of Iranians currently in Cyprus. At the same time, he asked whether there is a European policy to curb the exploitation of migrants by Turkey.

Dimitris Souglis, a member of parliament for Direct Democracy, requested information regarding a specific migrant accommodation facility in Limassol and about workers at food delivery platforms.

DISY MP Charalambos Petridis stated that “there has been progress in terms of the numbers and in addressing migration.” At the same time, he asked how the procedures followed in managing migration affect Cyprus’s accession to the Schengen Area.

Responding to the MPs, Mr. Ioannides noted that there is close cooperation with the National Guard and the Police to monitor the Green Line, adding that mobile cameras are being used and patrols are being conducted along the Green Line to combat human trafficking networks.

At the same time, he said that the number of applications by migrants for benefits has decreased, as has the time required to process asylum applications. He noted, that applications to revoke residence status for foreign nationals who have violated the law are being reviewed on an ongoing basis, clarifying, however, that the revocation of residence status does not automatically result in deportation.

The Deputy Minister of Migration also stated that the number of legal residence permits for migrants stands at 200,000 and the number of asylum holders at 30,000. At the same time, he emphasized that coordinated operations are being carried out with relevant agencies to address incidents in neighborhoods and the formation of ghettos.

He also clarified that rejected asylum seekers remain outside Cyprus for five years. Noting that progress on the Syrian return program is “very good,” he added that figures will be announced shortly.

Mr. Ioannidis also noted that combating migrant smuggling networks is a priority, emphasizing that it is a transnational crime. He also mentioned that under the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU budget for migration has tripled.

At the same time, he said that solutions are being sought for the issue of Iranians currently in Cyprus. He also noted that the number of migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa has decreased.

Furthermore, he said that “we are concerned about the issue of workers on food delivery platforms,” adding that “we have a comprehensive legal framework for managing migration.”

Speaking after the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Migration stated that “Our government and the Deputy Ministry will continue to act with seriousness, planning, and consistency.”

“The priorities are clear: implementation of the European Pact, reduction of irregular migration flows, reduction of pending asylum applications, utilization of the new return framework, implementation of the plan for Syrians, integration based on rules, digitization of procedures, and regulated legal migration that contributes to development in our country,” he emphasized.

Responding to a question, he clarified that the Reception Center in Limnes will begin operations in November of this year. At the same time, he noted that the discussion regarding the declassification of areas in Syria has ceased, because, in fact, the return of Syrians to their homeland has already begun.

At the same time, Mr. Ioannidis reported that inspections, operations, and arrests are being carried out targeting both undocumented residents and undocumented workers, as well as unregistered foreigners, emphasizing that “our goal is to crack down on this phenomenon.”

At the same time, he pointed out that “statistically, most of the foreigners we encounter on the street are here with a legal residence permit and are neither undocumented nor seeking asylum”.

In remarks following the Committee meeting, Mr. Damianou said that the government has prepared a study on the integration of immigrants, which will be submitted to Parliament for review. At the same time, he noted that legally residing immigrants “contribute to the national wealth of the Republic of Cyprus.”

For her part, Ms. Konstantinou stated that “the declining numbers in recent years, however satisfying they may be, do not allow for any complacency.” “On the contrary, precisely because the situation looks better today, we must use this time to strengthen the system both institutionally and operationally,” she noted.

“We are particularly concerned about issues of security and public order, as well as the sense of insecurity that can arise in local communities when incidents of lawlessness, clashes, violent incidents involving foreign nationals are reported,” he added.

Mr. Hamboullas noted that immigration “remains an internal wound that affects the social fabric and stability.” He also said that efforts to identify undocumented foreigners should continue, and that deportation procedures should be modernized and improved.

Mr. Leonidou addressed the issues surrounding the status of domestic workers, stating that “as a state governed by the rule of law, we must provide equal opportunities and prospects to these people.”

At the same time, he clarified that “we must not allow this right to be abused by all those who have entered Cyprus illegally or are currently in the country and are exploiting it to create other kinds of conditions.”

Mr. Apostolou said in his own remarks that legal immigrants “are law-abiding citizens and have our utmost respect, because they contribute to Cyprus’s social and economic development.”

At the same time, he emphasized that proper planning is needed regarding issues related to housing for these people, their employment, and transportation.

For his part, Mr. Souglis stated that food distribution companies employ mostly foreigners, “of whom no one knows how many are undocumented and how many are legal.”

“In general, there is a serious issue of the foreign population increasing at the expense of Cypriots,” he noted, adding that “we are not the United States of America.”

Source: CNA