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Cyprus has come under increased scrutiny for its handling of migration, with the Auditor General's recent report shining a light on several serious issues despite efforts to reduce illegal arrivals. The report, covering the period from 2021 to 2024, reveals key challenges in managing the flow of migrants into the country, including delays, overcrowding, and human rights concerns that have led to Cyprus being condemned by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
According to Kathimerini's Apostolos Tomaras, while the report acknowledges a decrease in illegal arrivals and a rise in migrant returns, it highlights persistent weaknesses that hinder effective management. These issues, if not addressed, could continue to affect Cyprus's reputation and its ability to manage migration efficiently.
Human Rights Concerns and Legal Challenges
One of the most critical issues outlined in the report is the treatment of migrants, especially those who entered the country irregularly. Cyprus has been found guilty by the European Court of Human Rights for violating the human rights of these migrants, particularly regarding their detention and living conditions, asylum procedures, and forced returns. These violations have raised significant concerns internationally, damaging the country’s credibility in terms of upholding human rights.
In particular, conditions at detention centers like the Pournara Detention Centre and the Mennogeia Detention Centre have been highlighted. Overcrowding, lack of proper registration systems, and poor living conditions have made the situation even more challenging. These concerns have been flagged by the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture, and they reflect poorly on Cyprus's image globally.
The Strain on Reception Centers
Cyprus's reception centers have been under severe pressure, especially in recent years. The Pournara First Reception Centre (FRC) saw a staggering 40,484 people pass through from 2012 to 2023, with its operating costs skyrocketing from €1.4 million in 2021 to €9.2 million in 2023. Overcrowding at these centers has led to a significant deterioration in living conditions and added to the overall challenges in managing migration.
Delays in Processing Asylum Applications
Another area where the Auditor General’s report points to serious shortcomings is the slow processing of asylum applications. The report reveals that only 15% of asylum applications were processed on time in 2023, with an average processing time of over 20 months. In some cases, applicants have been waiting for years. This delay puts a heavy strain on Cyprus’s resources and finances, as these applicants are entitled to state benefits while they wait. As of March 2024, nearly 25,500 asylum applications were still pending, though the Deputy Minister of Immigration has reported a drop in that number to about 19,000.
The Downward Trend in Illegal Arrivals
Between 2021 and 2023, Cyprus saw 40,616 illegal arrivals, with many coming through the country’s weak points along the ceasefire line. However, since 2023, there has been a noticeable decline in illegal entries, and more people are being returned to their countries of origin. Despite these improvements, the Auditor General has pointed out that there are significant gaps in ensuring that migrants who are ordered to leave the country actually do so. As a result, it's estimated that up to 13,000 migrants may still be living illegally in Cyprus.
The Financial Cost
The financial burden of managing irregular migration in Cyprus has been significant. Between 2021 and 2024, the government spent roughly €0.5 billion on migration management, with some of these costs being avoidable if the asylum application process had been quicker and more efficient. The country has also received around €166.5 million from the European Union to help cover some of these expenses, including funds to recover costs from previous years and advance payments for future periods.
