The number of unaccompanied minor migrants in Cyprus has fallen to fewer than 350, down from approximately 1,100 who were under the guardianship of the Social Welfare Services when the Deputy Ministry of Migration was established. These figures were provided in a response from the Deputy Ministry of Migration to a question posed by Larnaca MP Sotiris Ioannou.
According to the response, as of January 1, 2026, the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection assumed responsibility for managing facilities and centers for unaccompanied minors, while the authority to provide housing in organized facilities was transferred from the Social Welfare Services to the Deputy Ministry.
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Following approval by the Council of Ministers in February 2026, the Asylum Service announced a State Aid Program, under which one-year grants were approved for two organizations, “Hope for Children” and “MetAction.” The two organizations were already housing unaccompanied minors at specific facilities, while negotiations are also underway to extend the agreement with the International Organization for Migration regarding the housing of unaccompanied minors.
These organizations currently meet housing needs in small facilities with a capacity of five to 15 people each. The number of accommodation spots decreased from 396 in 2025 to 254 in early February 2026; meanwhile, in August, when the response was provided, the Deputy Ministry was housing 132 unaccompanied minors in facilities under its management throughout Cyprus. The facilities are located near urban centers to ensure the minors’ access to hospitals, schools, and jobs, as required by national and European legislation.
The Deputy Ministry also notes that the accommodation of unaccompanied minors has become manageable due to the reduction in irregular migration flows and the number of unaccompanied minors arriving. It also notes that inspections of the facilities have increased, while, in a letter to the Chief of Police, the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection has granted the police access to the facilities to address potential instances of delinquent behavior, which, as noted, have been significantly reduced.
As stated in the response, cases involving unaccompanied minors who engage in delinquent behavior are examined immediately and, where feasible, expedited return procedures are initiated. At the same time, asylum seekers who entered the Republic as unaccompanied minors and have now reached adulthood are given priority in the review process.
Regarding the location of facilities, the Deputy Ministry emphasizes that addressing this issue requires continued cooperation with parliamentary parties and local authorities, in order to find solutions that ensure both the Republic’s obligations toward asylum seekers and the safety of citizens and public order.
