Newsroom
Cyprus has reduced irregular migrant arrivals by about 86% over the past three years, while sharply increasing returns, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannides said.
Ioannides said Cyprus recorded five times more departures than arrivals in 2025, crediting a three-pillar strategy: tighter surveillance of borders and the Green Line, faster asylum procedures, and an expanded returns system combining forced and voluntary repatriations.
Enhanced coordination among the Migration Ministry, Cyprus Police, National Guard and European partners has made the island “no longer attractive” to smuggling networks, he said. Cyprus has also strengthened cooperation with the United Nations peacekeeping force (UNFICYP) to curb irregular crossings from Turkish-occupied areas, historically a major migration route.
A cornerstone of the policy is the new Limnes reception and pre-departure center, expected to be fully operational by September 2026 and funded 90% by the EU. The facility will ease overcrowding at the Pournara reception center and increase Cyprus’ capacity for deportations, with space for 800 people awaiting repatriation.
Looking ahead, Ioannides said Cyprus is preparing to fully implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which takes effect in June 2026, with a target of completing asylum and return procedures within seven days. Cyprus is also expanding voluntary return programs, particularly for Syrians. More than 4,000 Syrians have already returned, while about 5,000 have withdrawn asylum claims or protection status.
Regional instability in Syria and Lebanon remains a concern, Ioannides said, but Cyprus supports EU-backed aid to Lebanon and voluntary return arrangements with Syria to prevent new humanitarian crises. He stressed that returns, legal migration pathways, such as agreements for seasonal workers, and regional stability must advance together.
Migration will be a central priority when Cyprus assumes the EU Council presidency in early 2026, with a focus on enforcing the new pact, strengthening solidarity mechanisms and combating migrant smuggling networks.
Ioannides also said Cyprus is technically ready to join the Schengen Area, potentially in 2026, calling accession a “certificate of reliability” that would reinforce border security, unlock greater EU support and bolster the island’s economic and political standing.
