A continued decline in irregular arrivals, the effective implementation of returns, and the streamlining of legal migration to meet the needs of the economy, as stated by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection in a statement on Sunday, following the release of the new European Annual Report on Asylum and Migration.
At the same time, the Ministry emphasizes the need for European support to Cyprus to address the country’s actual needs and help alleviate pressure on the system and infrastructure.
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“Our goal is to continue reducing irregular arrivals, ensuring effective returns, to provide protection only to those who are entitled to it, and to streamline legal migration so that it meets the actual needs of the economy,” the Deputy Ministry states.
It notes that the report, which was presented by the European Commission on November 6, lists Cyprus along with Greece, Italy, and Spain among the member states that continue to face migratory pressure due to the increased irregular flows of previous years.
According to the Commission’s assessment, recorded irregular crossings into Cyprus decreased by 34% during the period from July 2025 – June 2026, compared to the previous 12-month period. The decrease is attributed to fewer arrivals from Syria and ongoing cooperation with the Lebanese authorities.
According to the Deputy Ministry, the Commission has submitted a proposal for the 2027 Solidarity Fund, while the total amount and individual contributions will be determined by the Council of the European Union. Support may include the relocation of asylum seekers, financial contributions, the provision of personnel, and other types of operational support.
“For the Deputy Ministry, the priority is for the available tools to meet the country’s actual needs and to contribute substantially to relieving pressure on the system and infrastructure,” the statement reads. At the same time, it is noted that Cyprus has received approval to relocate 1,200 asylum seekers by 2026.
The report also highlights Cyprus’s performance regarding returns, noting that it records the highest number of return decisions relative to its population and GDP, and is among the five Member States that carried out more than half of all returns to third countries at the EU level.
The Deputy Ministry attributes these findings to the government’s policy, which, it states, focuses on strict control of arrivals, faster processing of asylum applications, combating human trafficking networks, and enforcing return decisions. It adds that “the protection of those who are truly entitled to it must be combined with the return of those who do not have a legal right to remain, in accordance with European and international law.”
The report also notes progress in the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum by member states. With regard to Cyprus, the Deputy Ministry refers to the implementation of new screening and triage procedures at the “Pournara” First Reception Center “Pournara,” the adaptation of the legislative and administrative framework, the upgrading of infrastructure, and the strengthening of coordination among the relevant agencies.
At the same time, it points out that European initiatives to strengthen external borders, combating smuggling networks, and ensuring more effective implementation of returns align with the priorities highlighted by Cyprus.
The Deputy Ministry states that it will continue to utilize European tools and cooperation with partners, with the aim of reducing pressure on public services and local communities, accelerating procedures, and effectively implementing return decisions.
Source: CNA
