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The Cypriot government on Thursday rolled out a new voluntary repatriation plan for Syrian families who wish to return home, as the country begins to rebuild in the wake of a long civil war.
The plan, set to run from June 2 to August 31, is open to Syrian families, including couples without children, who applied for asylum or were granted international protection before December 31, 2024. To participate, applicants must withdraw their asylum requests or revoke their protected status. Prisoners are excluded from the scheme.
Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannides presented the initiative during a press conference, describing it as a "humane, targeted, and realistic" solution aimed at supporting Syria’s recovery while also addressing workforce shortages in Cyprus.
“Syria is going through a transitional phase after the collapse of the Assad regime,” Ioannides said. “Rebuilding the country is not just about infrastructure; it’s about people returning and rebuilding their communities.”
Under the new plan, returning spouses will receive €2,000, up from €1,500 previously, and each child will receive €1,000, up from €750. These incentives are co-funded by the European Union.
Families who apply will be part of Cyprus’s existing assisted voluntary return program. In addition, the spouse who remains in Cyprus will be granted a special residence and work permit for two years, with an option for a one-year extension under certain conditions.
So far, around 2,400 Syrians have returned home from Cyprus, and approximately 2,500 have already withdrawn their asylum applications or protected status, according to Ioannides.
He said the new plan is based on feedback from Syrian communities in Cyprus, many of whom expressed a desire to return but lacked the means. “We listened to what people wanted and created a pathway that works for everyone, for Syria, for Cyprus, and for the individuals involved.”
The plan was developed in close coordination with the European Commission, which is being kept informed of its progress. Ioannides said the plan could serve as a model for other EU countries, particularly those facing similar challenges related to migration and labor shortages.
Responding to recent criticism over alleged pushbacks of Syrian migrants, Ioannides denied any wrongdoing. He said Cyprus acts in accordance with international agreements, and its primary concern is saving lives at sea, not denying entry.
“When search and rescue operations are involved, the priority is to bring people to the nearest safe harbor. That doesn’t always mean Cyprus,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in dismantling smuggling networks, calling the issue “not just Cypriot, but pan-European and global.”
The initiative comes as the EU loosens some sanctions on Syria and prepares a financial aid package to support its reconstruction, signaling what Ioannides called “the beginning of a new chapter.”
“This is about giving people a real choice,” said Ioannides. “And if they choose to go home, we want to help them do it with dignity.”
