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Cyprus has seen a significant reduction in asylum applications and migrant arrivals in 2024, according to Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection, Nicolas Ioannides. During his speech at the DIKO Conference on "Migration - Realities," Ioannides shared key figures showing that departures of irregular migrants exceeded 10,000 last year, making Cyprus the EU leader in terms of the ratio of migrant departures to arrivals.
Ioannides noted that the number of asylum applications in 2024 dropped to 6,769, a 41% decrease compared to 2023. This is the lowest number of asylum requests since 2017, and even lower than the pandemic years. The decline in applications, he said, has allowed the government to process pending cases more efficiently and reduced the strain on Cyprus’s asylum system.
the number of asylum applications in 2024 dropped to 6,769, a 41% decrease compared to 2023. This is the lowest number of asylum requests since 2017,
In addition to the reduction in applications, Ioannides highlighted the department’s efforts to address the challenges posed by irregular migration. The Immigration Department issued over 48,000 immigration permits across various categories in the second half of 2024, despite facing significant staffing shortages. Cyprus also implemented measures to support Lebanese nationals fleeing the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and facilitated economic activities that benefited the country.
Another significant achievement was the sharp decline in sea crossings, attributed to enhanced surveillance and stronger cooperation with neighboring states, as well as European and international authorities. The Deputy Minister also reported that irregular crossings from Turkey and the occupied territories through the Green Line have significantly dropped, thanks to policies aimed at preventing the area from becoming a corridor for human traffickers.
A notable development for Cyprus has been the shift in migration patterns from Syria. Ioannides pointed out that as of December 2024, over 900 Syrian nationals had withdrawn their asylum applications or revoked their refugee status. About 300 Syrians had already departed from the country, and additional repatriation flights were planned.
Looking ahead, the Cyprus government is investing in new infrastructure to improve living conditions for asylum seekers. The Limnes Accommodation Centre, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will house up to 1,000 individuals and serve as a model facility for temporary accommodation. The government is also upgrading the Pournara First Reception Centre, which will continue to play a critical role in managing Cyprus's migration challenges.
With these developments, Ioannides emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the European Union to address migration challenges and ensure the effective management of asylum seekers and irregular migrants.
