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In 2024, Cyprus found itself in a challenging situation as one of the two EU regions where irregular arrivals of migrants and refugees actually increased, according to new data from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. While many EU countries saw a decline in migrant arrivals, especially along the Western Balkans and Central Mediterranean routes, the Eastern Mediterranean experienced a modest 14% rise. This highlights that Cyprus's migrant issues are far from over, despite improvements in the processing of asylum applications and returns.
According to Kathimerini's George Kakouris, the data paints a complex picture for Cyprus in the year ahead. While the government has made strides in managing migration—particularly through encouraging voluntary returns among Syrians living in the country—Cyprus is expected to continue facing pressures in the coming months. A particularly significant trend emerging from the data is the increase in female migrants, especially from Syria and Afghanistan. In fact, the Eastern Mediterranean region accounted for 62% of all women refugees and migrants entering the EU, underscoring the changing dynamics of migration flows.
the Eastern Mediterranean corridor remains a hotspot, with arrivals reaching a total of 69,436 people—a 14% increase compared to the previous year.
Frontex reports that while overall irregular arrivals to the EU dropped by 38% in 2024, the Eastern Mediterranean corridor remains a hotspot, with arrivals reaching a total of 69,436 people—a 14% increase compared to the previous year. The main countries of origin for these migrants were Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt, with new routes emerging through eastern Libya. The Western Balkans region, which has historically been a major transit point, saw a massive 78% decrease in arrivals, thanks to stronger border control measures in the area.
As the European Commission prepares to introduce a new framework for faster and more legal returns of migrants, Cyprus is focusing on strengthening ties with third countries that are key to migration routes. In particular, Cyprus views its strategic partnership with Egypt as a model for working with transit and origin countries to tackle irregular migration.
This week, Cyprus is set to host the new EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Bruner, who will meet with government officials to discuss these migration challenges. Bruner, who has expressed skepticism about forced returns, has also shared his support for stronger border protection and the new border control systems being rolled out across the EU.
Cyprus is also aligning itself with calls for reforming the EU’s Returns Directive, which aims to speed up the process of returning migrants while ensuring it is done legally and without violating rights. This is something Cyprus, along with other EU countries like Italy and Poland, sees as vital for managing migration flows more effectively.
As Cyprus braces for another year of managing its migrant population, the island's leaders will need to balance international cooperation, legal returns, and support for those fleeing conflict, while also addressing the practical challenges of integrating and processing new arrivals.
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