The Deputy Minister of Migration, Nicolas Ioannides, appeared on the Protoselido programme, discussing developments regarding Syrian nationals.
He stated that since yesterday, Syrians have been visiting the offices of the Asylum Service to withdraw their asylum applications and request the revocation of their protection status.
He added that there is significant interest, and the Deputy Ministry is ready to respond to the Syrians’ requests.
Ioannides emphasised that Cyprus has “frozen” the processing of Syrian applications since April 2024, a measure also adopted by other European countries in recent days.
He explained that Syrians have the option of voluntary repatriation. “If they wish to participate in the voluntary repatriation programme, they must withdraw their international protection application or request its revocation. They will then receive £1,500 from the EU and tickets to the country they wish to travel to.”
Mr Ioannides noted that Syrians can leave without notifying the Republic of Cyprus.
He also mentioned that the Deputy Ministry remains on alert due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
Also read: Syrian asylum seekers want to repatriate after Assad’s fall
