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1. Ombudswoman raises alarm over prolonged stay of unaccompanied minors at Pournara

A total of 27 unaccompanied minors have been stranded at the Pournara Temporary Reception and Accommodation Center for an average of 90 days, despite completing all necessary procedures for their transfer, according to a report by Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, Maria Stylianou-Lottides....

2. Cyprus leads EU in migrant departures

Cyprus is leading the way in the EU when it comes to managing migration, ranking first in the ratio of migrant departures to arrivals for 2024, with a surprising 179%. ...

3. Cyprus tightens immigration rules with new law changes

In a unanimous decision, the Cyprus House of Representatives has approved an update to the country’s Aliens and Immigration Law, bringing in new changes that aim to modernize the immigration system and align it with the recently created State Ministry of Immigration and International Protection....

4. 10,000 migrant departures in 2024, asylum applications drop 41%

Cyprus has seen a significant reduction in asylum applications and migrant arrivals in 2024, according to Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection, Nicolas Ioannides. ...

5. Spanish parliamentary leader visits Pournara Migrant Center

The President of Spain’s Congress of Deputies, Francina Armengol Socias, visited the Pournara First Reception Centre in Cyprus on Tuesday, shedding light on the shared challenges of migration faced by both countries. ...

6. Cyprus sees slow Syrian asylum withdrawals amid ongoing instability

The flow of Syrians requesting to withdraw their asylum applications in Cyprus remains low, despite the growing number of inquiries from individuals seeking information about the process. ...

7. Caravan of Humanity spreads joy and solidarity across Cyprus

The Caravan of Humanity, a non-profit group founded in Austria, wrapped up their uplifting mission in Cyprus on October 28, leaving behind a trail of laughter and goodwill. ...

8. Family, unaccompanied minor transferred to Pournara after crossing Green Line

A family of four and an unaccompanied minor, all of Somali origin, were found in the early hours of Friday after reportedly crossing into the Republic of Cyprus from non-government-controlled areas....

9. Deputy Minister: ''Green line must not become immigrant corridor''

Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides reaffirmed Tuesday that Cyprus is resolute in preventing the Green Line from becoming an "immigrant corridor," emphasizing that the Republic will not accept migrants currently residing in the buffer zone....

10. From academia to governance: Cyprus' latest Deputy Minister

The establishment of Cyprus's Deputy Ministry of Immigration and International Protection coincided with a challenging period, influenced by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in neighboring Israel. ...

11. Cyprus cuts migrant arrivals by 50%, earns European praise

Cyprus continues to grapple with a significant migration challenge, a situation that has evolved into a complex and multifaceted issue. ...

12. Pournara: From 3145 to 245 migrants in two years

The influx of irregular migrants into Cyprus has markedly declined following stringent government measures. Illustrative of this trend is the Pournara accommodation center, ...

13. UNHCR concerns over asylum-seekers trapped in buffer zone

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has raised alarms over the safety and well-being of 31 asylum-seekers, including seven children, who are reportedly stranded in the UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus....

14. Justice minister stresses ongoing evaluation for ceasefire line security

Cyprus' Minister of Justice and Public Order, Marios Hartsiotis, revealed on Wednesday that heightened measures along the ceasefire line are a response to ongoing security evaluations. ...

15. Second boat arrives at Larnaca port with 73 migrants

Another boat carrying 73 people, all from Syria, was brought to Larnaca port yesterday evening....

16. Cyprus faces migration crisis amid infrastructure strain

Cyprus is facing a mounting migration crisis as data obtained by K on Thursday reveals a surge in illegal immigrant arrivals, straining the government's resources and raising concerns about a humanitarian emergency....

17. 458 irregular migrants intercepted off Cape Greco

In a recent development, a total of 458 irregular migrants were discovered yesterday afternoon aboard six boats off Cape Greco and subsequently transported to the Pournara Accommodation Centre....

18. Family throws 6-year-old overboard on journey to Cyprus

In a heart-wrenching incident, a 6-year-old child lost his life during a treacherous voyage to Cyprus, prompting an investigation by the authorities....

19. Surge in custody escapes sparks government response

Once again, the spotlight shines on the issue of escapes from police custody, ignited by the daring getaway of a 17-year-old from the Kokkinotrimithia......

20. Lebanon rejects immediate return of migrants from Cyprus

21. Migrant trafficking concerns rise as Cyprus rescues 41 individuals

Two boats carrying a total of 41 irregular migrants arrived Thursday afternoon in Cyprus. According to Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the radar of the Cyprus Coast Guard spotted the two boats sailing 12 nautical miles southeast of Cape Greco. ...

22. Minister highlights smallest resident population at Pournara

The outlook for Cyprus in relation to migration is positive, as in 2023 a 46% reduction in irregular migrant applications and a 66% increase in returns have been achieved, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou said on Wednesday....

23. EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson visits Cyprus to discuss migration

Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Ylva Johansson, will visit Cyprus on Tuesday, as part of her ongoing tour in Greece and Cyprus, to discuss migration management as well as the implementation of the EU Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean route....

24. Children among 26 migrants in Famagusta arrival

In a poignant tale of resilience, 26 irregular migrants from war-torn Syria embarked on a perilous journey that led them to the shores of Cyprus early Monday morning....

25. Cyprus expands diplomatic footprint, bolsters migration management efforts

President Nicos Christodoulides, leading the Council of Ministers at the Presidential Palace, announced significant developments in Cyprus' foreign policy and measures taken to address migration challenges....

26. 18 linked to Pournara events deported, 11 in line for expulsion

27. Government achieves historic 50% drop in asylum applications

There is a 50% reduction in the period March-October 2023 in new asylum applications compared to the 2022 corresponding period, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday, noting at the same time that for the first time, the overall balance of arrivals-returns presents a positive picture, and Cyprus is now ranking in the first places among European states in absolute numbers of returns....

28. Over 200 illegal migrants exit Cyprus in forced repatriation drive

In the past week (11-17/11/2023), a total of 202 individuals, residing illegally in Cyprus, voluntarily left the country as part of the ongoing efforts by the Police to facilitate the return of third-country nationals to their countries of origin....

29. 28 individuals facing deportation after Pournara riots

In response to threats to public order, Cyprus has issued 28 orders for detention and deportation. ...

30. Deportation process in motion for 'Pournara' riot participants

Authorities intend to immediately initiate procedures for deportation for those proven to be involved in yesterday's riots at "Pournara" First Reception Centre in Kokkinotrimithia, as Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said on Tuesday....