Newsroom
Cyprus’ top court for asylum cases has backed the country’s Asylum Service, rejecting several appeals from Syrian nationals and clearing the way for their potential return to Syria.
The decisions, issued on January 29, 2026, are being called a milestone in Cyprus’ handling of forced returns. Officials said the ruling means authorities can now move forward with deportation or return orders for Syrians living in the country without legal status.
The court reviewed multiple appeals from Syrians whose asylum requests had already been denied. After going through the evidence, judges concluded that the applicants didn’t meet the legal standards for refugee protection. In other words, the court found no credible reason to believe these individuals would face personal threats because of their race, religion, nationality, social group, or political views.
Officials also noted that conditions in areas like Idlib, while unstable, don’t rise to the level of widespread, indiscriminate violence that would put residents in immediate danger. Many of the claims were dismissed as either economic migration or unverified stories of persecution.
The court confirmed that the Asylum Service had thoroughly investigated the situation in Syria, looking at security, reconstruction efforts, and government support for returnees. Their findings were deemed accurate and up-to-date.
The cases were handled by the Appeals Subsector of the Administrative Court of International Protection under the supervision of Prosecutor Gianna Hatzihanna. Authorities say the decision emphasizes that only those facing real, personal danger will qualify for international protection.
With the court’s ruling, Cyprus is taking a firm line: asylum claims must meet strict standards, and anyone failing to do so could soon be sent back to their home country.
