48 asylum seekers transferred to Germany

Source: Announcements

The pilot voluntary relocation program under the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism of the European Union has successfully relocated 48 applicants for international protection from Cyprus to Germany, the Ministry of the Interior has announced.

The Asylum Service of the Ministry of Interior, the European Asylum Service, the European Commission, the International Organization for Migration, and the German authorities worked together to complete this transfer, which is the first of several transfers that will occur in the upcoming months.

By providing assistance from other Member States, this Mechanism is intended to support frontline Member States most affected by migration challenges. Member States may offer assistance through a monetary contribution as an alternative to and supplement support through relocation.

To coordinate the implementation of the voluntary solidarity mechanism, the European Commission is in close contact with the Member States, the European Asylum Service, and the International Organization for Migration.

With a particular focus on Cyprus, which is the Union's top applicant for international protection based on population, Germany's acceptance of the transfer of 500 applicants—of which the first 48 are being transferred today—helps to address the migration challenges faced by Mediterranean countries.

The European Commission provides funding for the relocations, and the European Asylum Service and the International Organization for Migration provide assistance at the request of the concerned Member States. The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund is responsible for fully funding relocation-related activities.