Ministry applies new legislation on criminal offences
The Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection has revoked the asylum of migrants involved in the January 17 incidents in Larnaca, according to local sources reported by CNA.
Authorities confirmed that the Ministry will now enforce recently passed legislation allowing the removal of asylum from migrants who commit criminal offences.
Government’s strict migration policy
Officials emphasized that the government continues to pursue a strict migration policy with zero tolerance for criminal behaviour, prioritizing public order and national security.
Legislative framework and legal basis
Deputy Minister Dr. Nikolas Ioannides previously highlighted in an interview with Sigma the new provision allowing the revocation of international or subsidiary protection for offenders – a tool that was not previously available. The relevant bill remained in Parliament for approximately a year and was only passed in December, providing authorities with the legal ability to act in full compliance with EU and international law.
Dr. Ioannides stressed that the measure is explicitly allowed under both European directives and the 1951 Geneva Convention, which permits the refusal or withdrawal of protection from individuals posing a threat to public order and security.
Implementation in practice
In cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the Police, authorities are identifying foreign nationals – excluding serious crimes such as homicide, drug trafficking, or sexual offences – who either volunteer for repatriation or lose their protection status and are returned to their countries of origin. This process has already begun and will continue in the coming weeks.
Also read: EU migrant repatriations debated at Cyprus meeting
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