Cyprus recorded a sharp fall in irregular migrant arrivals and asylum applications during the first eight months of 2025, according to data from the Deputy Ministry of Migration.
In August, there were 190 new arrivals, bringing the total for the year to 1,606. This represents a 67% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 4,865 arrivals were reported.
Asylum applications followed the same trend. A total of 234 new applications were submitted in August, raising the yearly total to 1,943. This marks a 63.6% drop compared to the 5,346 applications filed between January and August 2024.
At the same time, overall migrant departures- including relocations up to 5 September 2025- reached 9,033.
Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Dr. Nikolas Ioannidis, highlighted the figures during a meeting with Alaminos Community Council President Christakis Demetriou and other local officials. The meeting was part of a series of consultations with communities around the “Limnes” area in Menogeia, where an EU-funded Reception Centre for asylum seekers and a Pre-departure Centre are under construction.
Ioannidis emphasised the strategic importance of the new facilities for Cyprus’ migration policy, noting their role in strengthening enforcement, boosting security in nearby communities, and ensuring effective management of returns. He underlined that the government’s strict migration policy leaves no tolerance for criminal behaviour by foreign nationals.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue with local communities, pledging continued cooperation to address concerns and safeguard both the success of the projects and the wellbeing of residents.
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