Newsroom
Cyprus plans to tighten its “golden visa” programme before joining the Schengen Area, Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides told MPs on Thursday.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Control of Public Expenditure, Ioannides said about 1,500 golden visas had been issued over the past two years. Authorities are now conducting a detailed review of around 12,000 passports issued under the programme since 2013 to check whether their holders continue to meet the required conditions.
Ioannides said the planned changes are linked in part to Cyprus’ expected Schengen accession, which would make the programme more attractive to investors. He has submitted recommendations for changes to the ministers involved in the scheme.
Investment under review
The government is also examining where money invested through the programme can be directed. Possible areas include education, defense and innovation.
“We need investment,” Ioannides told MPs, but said it must take place under controlled conditions.
The government is also developing a new information system designed to track third-country nationals throughout their stay in Cyprus, from their arrival in the Republic until their departure.
Migration services go digital
Migration procedures are also being digitized. During the first phase, residents will be able to renew their permits online across five categories. Applicants will also be able to check the status of their applications electronically and receive an SMS once the process has been completed.
Ioannides said the number of pending asylum cases has dropped substantially, from about 24,000 when the Deputy Ministry of Migration was established to fewer than 12,500 currently.
He also reported a significant number of returns involving Syrian nationals. Since December 2024, more than 6,100 applications have been withdrawn or revoked, while about 5,500 Syrians have returned to Syria. During the first eight months of 2026, total returns exceeded 7,000, compared with more than 12,000 departures recorded during all of 2025.
The current asylum approval rate stands at between 15% and 20%, according to Ioannides. He added that a significant share of people living in Cyprus under the protection system hold subsidiary protection status.
Lower welfare spending
Ioannides also pointed to a decline in the financial burden associated with migration. Welfare spending had fallen to €15 million at the beginning of 2026, compared with €49 million when he took office.
European funding covers a significant share of migration-related expenses. The Pournara reception center has been upgraded entirely through European funds, while the Limnes facility has received 85% European funding. Returns are funded at rates ranging from 80% to 85%.
Demand for foreign workers
Cyprus continues to require workers from third countries in sectors including construction and hospitality, as well as nurses.
AKEL MP Nikos Kettiros asked the government for more details on labor shortages, housing and the controls applied to foreign workers.
Ioannides said Cyprus has signed bilateral agreements with Egypt and India aimed at attracting workers according to specific labor needs. There are currently around 200,000 valid residence permits held by third-country nationals.
The number of unaccompanied minors in Cyprus has also fallen sharply, according to the Deputy Minister, from around 1,100 when he took office to about 130 today. Authorities are carrying out age assessments, and the government does not currently plan to establish additional facilities.
