Newsroom
In a surprising development, more than 900 Syrians in Cyprus have either withdrawn their asylum applications or revoked their international protection status in just one month, signaling a shift in migration patterns. The move comes as many of these individuals choose to voluntarily return to Syria, with around 300 already having left the island.
Nicholas A. Ioannides, the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, shared the update in a post on the "X" platform, highlighting the continued flow of Syrians seeking repatriation. “The flow of Syrians to the offices of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection continues,” Ioannides said. “In one month, more than 900 Syrians have either withdrawn asylum applications or revoked their international protection status in order to be repatriated.”
While the reason behind this shift is not entirely clear, the Deputy Minister assured that the Ministry is working hard to support those wishing to return to their home country. The government has been offering assistance to make the repatriation process smoother for those who have made the decision to leave Cyprus.
This trend marks a significant change, as Cyprus has been a popular destination for Syrian refugees since the start of the civil war in Syria. Many Syrians had initially sought asylum in Cyprus due to the island's proximity to the Middle East, but with recent developments, more are choosing to head back.
As of now, the exact number of Syrians who have been repatriated remains uncertain, but the government's focus remains on assisting those who wish to leave Cyprus and return to their homeland.
It remains to be seen whether this repatriation trend will continue or if other factors will emerge to influence these decisions. For now, Cyprus is seeing a significant shift in the refugee landscape, with many Syrians making the decision to go back home.
*With information from CNA
