The need for comprehensive migration management by the European Union (EU) is emphasized by the Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicholas Ioannides, underlining that the entry into force of the Pact on Migration and Asylum will be a highlight for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU (January-July 2026).
He also said “we look forward to closer and more effective cooperation with the European Commission, following Commissioner Brunner’s supportive statements during his presence in Cyprus.”
In an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, he also referred to numbers that rank the country first among the 27 EU Member States in terms of the ratio of departures to arrivals but also the challenges in managing the issue, such as illegal trafficking from Turkey through the occupied territories.
One of the most critical issues facing Cyprus is the irregular migration flows from Turkey through the occupied areas of our island, he noted.
“The instrumentalisation of migration by foreign actors, including through irregular flows across the Green Line, raises security issues. Cyprus’ response to these challenges is both in line with the principles of the European Union, and includes enhanced controls and streamlining of asylum procedures.”
More specifically, he said that in 2024, departures exceeded 10,000 – either through voluntary returns, deportations or relocations to other European countries. These numbers rank our country first among the 27 EU Member States in terms of the ratio of departures to arrivals.
For the same period, the new asylum applications submitted to our Asylum Service of the Deputy Ministry were less than 7,000, namely 6,769, a decrease of 41% compared to the applications received in 2023, and about 1/3 compared to the applications received in 2022. It is also stressed that this number is the lowest since 2017, while in 2024 there were fewer asylum applications even than during the pandemic period.
As of 9 December 2024, when the flow of Syrians to the offices of the Deputy Ministry began, “we have had more than 1,000 people who have withdrawn their applications for international protection or given up their refugee and/or subsidiary protection status that was granted to them. Some 500 Syrian nationals have already left Cyprus,” the deputy minister stressed.
Finally, he underlined that EU cooperation with third countries in relation to migration has become a crucial dimension of the EU external policy, particularly following the adoption of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum and the other legislation expected to be promoted under it. In addition to the readmission agreements already concluded with some third countries and the financial structural instruments available to them, initiatives are constantly being developed to tackle illegal trafficking in human beings, to ensure safe and legal migration routes, to manage borders and enhance security, as well as to improve conditions in the countries of origin of migrants.
The full interview with Sofia Papadopoulou follows:
– What are the main pillars of migration management by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and what is the current picture in the Cypriot territory (in numbers – departures/arrivals, new asylum applications, situation in the Accommodation Centres etc.)?
Currently, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is managing migration on the basis of two main policy pillars: tackling irregular migration and improving the framework for legal migration. With regard to irregular migration, the current data clearly show the results achieved by the Government. In 2024, departures exceeded 10,000 – either through voluntary returns, deportations or relocations to other European countries. These numbers rank our country first among the 27 EU Member States in terms of the ratio of departures to arrivals.
For the same period, the new asylum applications submitted to our Asylum Service of the Deputy Ministry were less than 7,000, namely 6,769, a decrease of 41% compared to the applications received in 2023, and about 1/3 compared to the applications received in 2022. It is also stressed that this number is the lowest since 2017, while in 2024 there were fewer asylum applications even than during the pandemic period. In addition, the decrease in arrivals has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of people staying in the First Reception and Accommodation Centres, since, at the moment, there are about 900 people staying in the Pournara First Reception Centre and the Accommodation Centres in Kofinou and Limnes.
– As a key member state of the European Union, and a host country, Cyprus plays a central role in the EU’s migration framework. How does the Republic of Cyprus cooperate with other Member States to ensure a fair sharing of responsibility for asylum seekers and migrants? In addition, are new initiatives or strategies being explored to enhance solidarity and improve the EU’s collective response to migration challenges?
Cyprus, as a frontline Member State, has in recent years, due to the unstable political situation of neighbouring countries, been under disproportionate pressure in terms of migration. As part of its efforts to manage the migration issue, the Republic of Cyprus is working closely with other Member States, both to combat smuggling rings and to ensure a fair sharing of responsibility, through structured mechanisms and programmes that promote solidarity and a common European approach. In addition to deepening bilateral relations with other Member States, Cyprus participates in informal sub-groups and working groups of Member States, where views are exchanged and policies are promoted, which are expected to contribute to the better management of migration. Already, the adoption by the European Parliament of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is expected to enter into force from July closer, is a step in this direction, while further initiatives are expected to be promoted, as well as the expansion of legislative arrangements in this context. I believe that if one looks at the course of the migration issue, in the European context, over time, one will agree that the point we are at today demonstrates the progress that has been made in terms of strengthening the collective and coherent approach to dealing with it, as well as in terms of developing a multi-faceted and multi-level approach, with the aim of making it holistic. This is reflected in the development of interoperability tools between Member States in areas related to migration and the recognition of the external dimension of the issue, with initiatives to develop or deepen (as appropriate) the EU’s relations with third countries. Of course, the Republic of Cyprus and Greece have contributed to the EU’s shift on migration, as they have received huge migratory flows in recent years and have been calling for greater support from Brussels over the years. Following Commissioner Brunner’s supportive statements during his presence in Cyprus, we look forward to closer and more effective cooperation with the European Commission.
– In relation to EU cooperation with third countries, in relation to migration, how are things developing?
EU cooperation with third countries in relation to migration has become a crucial dimension of the EU external policy, particularly following the adoption of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum and the other legislation expected to be promoted under it. In addition to the readmission agreements already concluded with some third countries and the financial structural instruments available to them, initiatives are constantly being developed to tackle illegal trafficking in human beings, to ensure safe and legal migration routes, to manage borders and enhance security, as well as to improve conditions in the countries of origin of migrants. Of course, these partnerships are a constantly evolving situation which is also interlinked with political developments, international cooperation and other individual factors in these countries. It is the firm position of the Republic of Cyprus that EU cooperation with third countries should be promoted in order to improve the situation with regard to migration, always in compliance with international and EU law.
– On a bilateral level, is there substantial cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Greece on migration?
There is very good cooperation between our two countries at the level of the competent ministries. Already, upon taking office, my first official visit was to Athens, where I had meetings with the Minister and the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum of the Hellenic Republic, as well as with the Chief of the Hellenic Police, among others. In addition to the national and historical ties that link our countries, Greece and Cyprus face common migration challenges and therefore the coordination of the two countries at European and international level, as well as the exchange of views and good practices, strengthens the efforts of both countries for an effective management of migration.
– How do the recent developments in Syria affect the migration picture in Cyprus? In a recent interview you stated that there has been a significant flow of Syrian nationals who intend to repatriate. Are there any concrete figures (numbers) on the flow of things so far? Do you think this is a trend that will continue or will it largely depend on the next day in Syria?
As of 9 December 2024, when the flow of Syrians to the offices of the Deputy Ministry began, we have had more than 1,000 people who have withdrawn their applications for international protection or given up their refugee and/or subsidiary protection status that was granted to them. Some 500 Syrian nationals have already left Cyprus.
The situation is volatile in Syria and we believe that as time goes by and stability is achieved in the country, the number of people attempting to repatriate will increase. Some have already done so privately since the first days. What we are doing is to support and facilitate their attempt to repatriate by including these people in the Voluntary Returns progamme, so that they can receive the European Union sponsorship together with their air ticket. There are people who have returned to Syria from Lebanon and from Turkey. After all, even before the fall of Assad, half a million people from various countries had returned to Syria, so we believe that this is a good time for Syrians to be repatriated after the devastating civil war in their country. It is worth pointing out, however, that forced return to Syria is not possible until there is stability and the conditions in the country are clarified, so that a relevant decision can be taken at European Union level.
– Are you concerned – always in relation to migration – about the continuing tension in the wider Middle East region and what is your attitude towards these developments?
Our region is troubled. In the Middle East we are constantly witnessing armed conflicts. We are certainly following developments constantly and closely. The role of the Republic of Cyprus in the region is stabilising and that is why the President of the Republic is taking so many initiatives with the leaders of other states and the European Union. The Republic of Cyprus is a pillar of stability and security in the region. Our aim is to have a role in developments, so that we can help either to prevent or manage conflicts, so that crises in our neighbouring states, the consequences of which would be negative for Cyprus, the European Union and other states in the region, are avoided. The tension in the region is not only about migration, but also about security, which is why constant vigilance and preparedness are required.
– Given the ongoing concerns about irregular migration, how is Cyprus strengthening the security of its borders while ensuring that the rights of migrants are respected in the asylum process?
One of the most critical issues facing Cyprus is the irregular migration flows from Turkey through the occupied areas of our island. The Green Line, which is not a border and was created by Turkey’s belligerent occupation of part of our island, has become a focal point in terms of irregular crossings, trafficking and smuggling of migrants. This peculiar situation requires a differentiated and serious approach, which must strike a balance between security concerns and the vital interests of the state on the one hand and humanitarian obligations on the other.
The instrumentalisation of migration by foreign actors, including through irregular flows across the Green Line, raises security issues. Cyprus’ response to these challenges is both in line with the principles of the European Union, and includes enhanced controls and streamlining of asylum procedures.
Among other things, we have strengthened surveillance along the Green Line, in accordance with Article 3 of the Green Line Regulation. These measures are complemented by maritime patrols in accordance with international law and always taking into account the obligation to protect human life at sea.
Our efforts are also focused on the fair, efficient and expeditious processing of asylum applications in order to safeguard human rights, while maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the asylum system of the Republic of Cyprus. At the same time, 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. Infrastructure projects ensure that asylum seekers have access to means of subsistence that allow them to maintain an adequate standard of living, which acts as a deterrent to ghettoisation and delinquency within urban centres. Improving the infrastructure for the temporary accommodation of asylum seekers therefore contributes substantially to a more efficient management of migration flows.
– How is the effort to implement the new EU migration policy progressing? In relation to the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU (January-July 2026), what can we expect in relation to your own issues?
I believe that we are on the right track, as Cyprus is already implementing certain provisions of the Pact, as a result of the diligent efforts made to address the migration issue. Moreover, the Republic of Cyprus has been praised by the European Commission for the results of its migration policy. However, there are several actions that need to be taken forward in the framework of the implementation of the Pact, which we are already working intensively on. Currently, many projects are underway to upgrade the reception and accommodation infrastructure for migrants, the National Action Plan has been completed in cooperation with the EU, amendments to legislation are being promoted and efforts are being made to further improve the asylum system of the Republic of Cyprus.
Regarding the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council on migration, it is expected that the issue of returns will be taken forward, which is not only limited to the legislative framework under discussion, but also aims at promoting new solutions and developing strategic relations with third countries. More generally, the entry into force of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum will be a highlight for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. We are working and will work hard and methodically towards this, as it is our long-standing position that such a thorny issue should be managed comprehensively by the EU.
– In the light of global political and environmental challenges, do you think that reforms and/or new policies will be needed in the field of migration both at national and European level? What role can your country play in broader international efforts to manage migration?
Experience has shown that migration is an ever-changing phenomenon, influenced by various parameters and factors. We are therefore constantly monitoring developments in order to be ready to deal with any crisis. Cyprus, as I mentioned earlier, is a frontline Member State and as such has considerable experience in crisis management, including migration challenges, which it already shares with other Member States in the context of exchanging views and good practices. In addition, as a country, Cyprus has proven to be a factor of stability in the turbulent Eastern Mediterranean region. We are already using our role as an EU Member State to build and deepen, as appropriate, EU relations with third countries in our region, with which we have long-standing good relations and which we believe can make a positive contribution to the management of migration. In this context, the current government of Cyprus has taken many initiatives aimed at both achieving stability in our region and managing migration more effectively.
Also read: EU Commissioner Brunner focuses on migration in Nicosia talks
Source: ANA-MPA
