Irregular migrant arrivals in Cyprus fell by 92% during the first nine months of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2022, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides has said, highlighting the government’s progress in managing migration.
Speaking at a conference on Saturday, Ioannides outlined the results of Cyprus’ migration policies, while also discussing the country’s European role and the importance of integrating legally residing foreign nationals into Cypriot society.
On Sunday, addressing a separate memorial ceremony in Troulloi on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulides, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the Cyprus problem and determining the fate of missing persons.
Irregular arrivals fall sharply
According to Ioannides, the government’s migration policies have produced measurable results.
In 2025, irregular arrivals decreased by 86% compared with 2022, while new asylum applications fell by 87%.
A total of 12,029 departures, including relocations, were recorded during 2025, representing almost five departures for every new irregular arrival.
The downward trend continued into 2026.
“During the first nine months of 2026, irregular arrivals were already 92% lower than during the corresponding period of 2022,” Ioannides said.
The Deputy Minister attributed the improvements to the migration policies implemented by President Christodoulides’ administration.
Cyprus highlights achievements during EU Presidency
Speaking at the conference titled “50 Years Later: Memory, Reflection and Prospects”, Ioannides said Cyprus’ second Presidency of the Council of the European Union, during the first half of 2026, demonstrated the country’s ability to contribute meaningfully to European policymaking.
Despite its small size and particular challenges, Cyprus successfully managed a demanding agenda, he said.
The Deputy Minister referred to the crisis arising from the armed conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which Cyprus had to address during its Presidency.
He highlighted initiatives concerning defence, disaster preparedness and competitiveness, alongside agreements simplifying European procedures.
Progress was also made in negotiations concerning the EU’s long-term budget, while energy security, connectivity, social cohesion and the needs of island states received particular attention.
Ioannides additionally welcomed the joint declaration “Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe”, signed by the European Parliament and European Commission, recognising the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity and the protection of cultural heritage.
New European migration framework
The Deputy Minister also addressed the European Union’s migration and asylum framework.
He explained that the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum establishes common rules covering the screening, identification and reception of applicants, asylum procedures, border management and solidarity between member states.
He emphasised that Cyprus consistently supports a balance between solidarity and responsibility.
According to Ioannides, solidarity should translate into practical assistance for frontline countries, including relocations, personnel, infrastructure, technical support and financial resources.
Responsibility, meanwhile, requires accurate registration, reliable screening procedures, fair decisions and respect for procedural safeguards.
He described the conclusion of negotiations on the new Returns Regulation as one of the most significant achievements of Cyprus’ EU Presidency.
The regulation strengthens cooperation and clarifies obligations concerning individuals without the legal right to remain, while maintaining respect for fundamental rights.
According to the Deputy Minister, its provisions have been incorporated into Cyprus’ domestic legal framework through the new Refugee Law of 2026.
Integration of legally residing migrants
Ioannides stressed that migration management must also include the successful integration of foreign nationals legally residing in Cyprus.
The government’s first comprehensive National Integration Strategy prioritises Greek-language learning, professional skills, employment and familiarity with Cypriot society, institutions and culture.
He highlighted the important contribution of educators and language specialists to this process.
Knowledge of the Greek language, he explained, enables individuals to understand regulations, communicate with public services and participate in society.
“Integration does not mean the unquestioning adaptation of the host society, nor the erasure of the origins of those being integrated,” he said.
Instead, it involves participation in a shared public life, with respect for the law and an understanding of rights and responsibilities.
Cyprus missing persons remain an unresolved obligation
During Sunday’s national memorial service in Troulloi, Ioannides also addressed the unresolved fate of missing persons from the Turkish invasion of 1974.
Delivering a commemorative speech on behalf of President Christodoulides, he said determining their fate remains an outstanding responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus.
He recalled the contribution of Troulloi residents to the 1955–1959 anti-colonial struggle, when young villagers joined EOKA, PEKA and ANE, supported by the wider community.
The Deputy Minister also referred to the events of 1974, when the coup against the Republic and the subsequent Turkish invasion caused widespread suffering.
In late August 1974, Turkish forces entered Troulloi, looted the community and detained residents who had remained there.
Six people, aged between 50 and 70 at the time, disappeared. Their remains were discovered in 2012 in a well near Arsos and were subsequently identified.
However, Costas Gabriel and Andreas Michael remain missing.
Ioannides acknowledged the work of the Committee on Missing Persons and those involved in locating, exhuming, identifying and returning remains to families.
He called on Turkey to cooperate meaningfully, provide access to military archives and disclose information concerning burial sites and the movement of remains.
“The passage of time does not eliminate this duty. It makes fulfilling it even more urgent,” he stressed.
Government reaffirms commitment to Cyprus settlement
Ioannides reiterated that achieving a just, viable and functional settlement of the Cyprus problem remains a top government priority.
Speaking on behalf of President Christodoulides, he said the government seeks a solution consistent with international and European law.
The objective, he explained, is a sovereign state throughout its territory, without occupying troops, settlers, outdated guarantees or unilateral intervention rights.
He emphasised that the government is working to turn renewed diplomatic activity into a meaningful resumption of negotiations.
However, he cautioned that diplomatic meetings alone do not constitute progress towards an agreement.
“Diplomatic activity is not in itself a solution, nor does a meeting amount to an agreement,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted efforts to strengthen Cyprus’ defence capabilities, economic resilience and international partnerships.
He stressed that strengthening the Republic does not replace efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem but supports them.
The government, he concluded, remains committed to protecting citizens, maintaining economic stability and pursuing a settlement that will benefit future generations.
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA)
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