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The flow of Syrians requesting to withdraw their asylum applications in Cyprus remains low, despite the growing number of inquiries from individuals seeking information about the process. According to Cyprus' Deputy Ministry of Immigration and International Protection, although many Syrians are asking about how to withdraw their asylum requests, the actual number of formal withdrawal requests is still modest. On Monday, there were only 20 requests, which increased to 49 on Tuesday and 72 by Wednesday.
This relatively slow pace of withdrawals is attributed to the ongoing fragile situation in Syria following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Syrians who might wish to return to their homeland are weighing several factors, including the country’s political stability and the availability of social services like housing, vocational training, and health care. Many are also concerned about whether they will receive a warm reception and if conditions in the war-torn country will be conducive to a decent life.
On Monday, there were only 20 requests, which increased to 49 on Tuesday and 72 by Wednesday.
The Ministry of Migration is aware that the number of return requests might increase in the future but anticipates that such a rise will be gradual. They are preparing for the possibility of mass return requests by establishing a special five-member team to handle the process. The team is trained to manage the increasing inquiries and withdrawals, which have been steadily occurring since the situation in Syria started to shift.
Ioannis Ioannides, the Deputy Minister of Migration, noted that the current spike in inquiries is simply due to the early stages of the situation in Syria changing. While many Syrians are seeking clarification, only a small number are moving forward with the formal withdrawal of their asylum requests at this stage. Nevertheless, withdrawals are taking place, with some individuals already opting to return voluntarily.
To help Syrians return home, the Ministry is coordinating with the police and facilitating the process. Syrian nationals who decide to leave under the voluntary return program receive €1,500 from a European fund to assist with their travel expenses. The government has already requested an increase in this amount from the European Commission, which has responded positively.
Over the past decade, about 14,000 Syrians in Cyprus have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection, while an additional 14,000 asylum applications are still pending. The issue of Syrian returns was discussed in Brussels by Ioannides earlier this week and will be on the agenda at next week’s European Council meeting at the level of heads of state.
While the process remains slow, Cyprus is prepared to manage any future surge in return requests as Syrians continue to navigate the shifting political landscape in their home country.
