In 2024, departures of irregular migrants exceeded 10,000 (either through voluntary returns, deportations or relocations to other European countries), placing Cyprus in first place among the 27 EU member states in terms of the ratio of departures to arrivals, said Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicolas Ioannides, in a speech at the DIKO Conference “Migration – Realities.”
Ioannides said that for the same period, the new asylum applications submitted to the Asylum Service of the Deputy Ministry were less than 7,000, namely 6,769, a 41% decrease compared to the applications submitted in 2023 and about a third compared to the applications received in 2022.
He noted that this number is the lowest since 2017, while in 2024, he said, “we had fewer asylum applications even than during the pandemic period,” adding that “this allows for faster processing of pending applications for international protection and reduces the burden on the Republic of Cyprus created by thousands of applications that are submitted improperly.”
He also said that in the second half of 2024, the Immigration Department of the Deputy Ministry, despite serious understaffing problems, issued more than 48,000 immigration permits of various categories.
“In addition, we found solutions regarding the provision of facilities to Lebanese nationals due to the war in the neighbouring country, and took steps to facilitate activities that have and will bring economic benefits to the Republic,” he added.
An important achievement, according to the Deputy Minister, has been the termination of sea flows in recent months due to increased surveillance, as well as cooperation with neighbouring states and European and international authorities.
At the same time, he said that irregular crossings from Turkey and North Cyprus through the Green Line have been drastically reduced, with policies aiming at ensuring that “the Green Line does not become an avenue for smugglers.”
He also said that recent developments in Syria, “although the situation in the country remains volatile”, have created a significant flow of Syrian nationals who have withdrawn their applications for international protection, while others have given up their refugee and/or subsidiary protection status, as they intend to repatriate.
Specifically, Ioannides said that as of 09/12/2024, over 900 Syrians have withdrawn applications/revoked status, while about 300 have already departed from Cyprus, adding that additional flights are also planned to facilitate the repatriation of Syrian nationals.
He also said that the Government has invested in the creation of new infrastructure, as well as the upgrading of existing infrastructure through co-financing from European funds, which ensure decent living conditions for asylum seekers.
He noted that the Limnes Accommodation Centre, which is expected to be completed around the end of 2025, will be a model centre for temporary accommodation with a capacity of 1,000 or more persons, while the substantial upgrade of the “Pournara” First Reception Centre is also considered important.
(Source : CNA)
