Cyprus to fast-track 22,000 asylum applications

The reduction in migration flows due to government measures offers Cyprus the opportunity to speed up the processing of 22,000 pending asylum applications, said Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nikolas Ioannides.

Speaking at the Cyprus Forum on migration, Ioannides dismissed allegations of migrant pushbacks, emphasizing Cyprus' commitment to humanitarian and international law.

Ioannides highlighted recent actions by the government to curb migration, particularly from Syria via Lebanon. He noted that the decision only suspends the examination, not the submission, of asylum requests from Syrians. He reiterated Cyprus’ support for internal EU discussions on the bloc’s stance towards Syria.

He also underscored the strengthened cooperation with Lebanon, which has led to a halt in the arrival of migrant boats, as well as the exchange of information with Lebanese authorities to identify and arrest traffickers. Patrols in Cypriot territorial waters, in line with international law, have resulted in no search and rescue incidents, he added.

Cyprus' respect for human rights, Ioannides said, is evidenced by the fact that 18,000 individuals have been granted international protection over the past decade. However, he stressed the need to further limit migrant flows to maintain a sustainable system, citing reduced arrivals in recent months as an opportunity to improve the asylum infrastructure and ensure humane conditions for applicants.

Ioannides reiterated that Cyprus hosts the highest number of asylum seekers per capita in the EU, attributing this to unique factors driving irregular migration. He pointed out Cyprus' proximity to the Middle East and the presence of the Green Line, a result of the Turkish occupation.

"The migration flows from Turkey into the occupied areas and across the Green Line into free areas make it necessary to monitor the line," Ioannides said, adding, "Of course, the Green Line is not and will never be an external border of the Republic."

Human Rights Commissioner Maria Lottidou stressed that irregular migration, coupled with the need to respect and protect human rights, is a complex and deeply humanitarian issue.

"The challenge is ensuring human rights are upheld," Lottides said.