Surge in irregular migrant returns from Cyprus in 2024

Cyprus has seen a significant rise in the number of returns of irregular migrants in 2024 compared to the previous year, attributed to government measures aimed at strengthening the returns sector.

According to an update from the Ministry of Interior regarding returns and arrivals of irregular migrants for the period of January to April in 2023 and 2024, there were 3,337 returns in 2024 compared to 2,348 in 2023.

Arrivals of irregular migrants remained relatively stable, with 3,703 arrivals recorded in 2024 compared to 3,522 in 2023.

The data highlights a slight increase in arrivals in 2024, while returns surged by nearly 1,000, underscoring the impact of government efforts and a reinforced focus on bolstering the returns sector.

The government's measures included enhanced cooperation with Frontex and the implementation of a voluntary return program offering financial incentives ranging from €1,000 to €1,500, depending on the migrants' country of origin.

Additionally, construction is underway for a pre-removal center in Menoyia, with a capacity of approximately 800 individuals, aimed at facilitating larger-scale operations to apprehend migrants whose applications have been definitively rejected or who are residing or working illegally in the Republic.