A significant development has emerged in Cyprus’s handling of the migration issue, potentially reshaping the current landscape. According to information obtained by SigmaLive, for the first time in years, Cyprus has started rejecting asylum applications from Syrian nationals.
Following the suspension of asylum application processing for Syrians a year ago, Cyprus’s stance—driven by the policies of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection—has now become even stricter.
Reliable sources indicate that this approach will continue, particularly targeting those who enter the Republic of Cyprus illegally with the sole intention of working or for other economic reasons, by submitting unjust asylum claims.
Another informed source notes that especially Sunni Syrians, if they are no longer being persecuted in their home country, are now considered unlikely to have valid grounds for being granted asylum.
Based on these developments, the Republic of Cyprus will begin reviewing the cases of Syrian asylum seekers and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection already residing on the island, who may no longer be eligible for asylum.
Also read: 24 irregular migrants arrested in Cyprus – three repatriated
