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Four years ago, migration appeared to be an unsolvable problem in Cyprus, with irregular arrivals increasing and asylum applications multiplying. This created an unbearable situation for successive governments while also provoking strong public reactions.
For several years, migration remained a complex challenge due to uncontrolled irregular migration flows and the low rate of returns.
As the situation in the wider Middle East deteriorated, the flow of people toward Mediterranean countries also increased. Cyprus was among the countries that bore a heavy burden from the continuous influx of migrants. What had until recently seemed impossible to resolve also fueled significant social tensions.
One factor that further complicated the situation was the fact that many migrants entering Cyprus irregularly crossed through points along the Green Line.
In recent years, however, there has been a decline in the number of irregular migrant arrivals to the Republic of Cyprus, as well as a reduction in the overall number of asylum applications.
Specifically, according to figures presented by the Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection, Nicholas A. Ioannides, in the House of Representatives and its Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, irregular arrivals to Cyprus have fallen by 86% over the past three years, while the number of holders of legal residence permits stands at 200,000, and the number of beneficiaries of international protection is 30,000.
He also noted that two years ago there were 24,000 pending asylum applications, whereas that figure has now fallen to fewer than 13,500.
Furthermore, he stated that in 2025, a total of 12,029 departures were recorded, resulting in an arrival-to-departure ratio of 1:5. During the first half of 2026, irregular arrivals were 92% lower than in 2022.
It is also worth noting that since 2023, approximately 35,000 third-country nationals have departed Cyprus.
The Deputy Minister further emphasized that, in cooperation with Parliament, the Refugee Law was amended so that subsidiary protection status may be revoked in cases of criminal or delinquent behavior by foreign nationals, in accordance with the criteria established under international and European law.
What Is Happening with the Reception Infrastructure?
Regarding reception infrastructure, the Deputy Minister stated that the Pournara First Reception Centre has been fully upgraded with 100% funding from the European Union.
He also noted that the Limnes Accommodation Centre (with a capacity of 1,000 people) and the Pre-Removal Detention Centre (with a capacity of 800 people) have been strengthened, resulting in a sixfold increase in the Republic of Cyprus’s capacity to carry out returns.
The Issue of Syrian Nationals
A particularly significant issue for Cyprus—given the increased migration flows—has been Syrian nationals, who have represented, and continue to represent, the largest group of third-country nationals in the country.
On this matter, Mr. Ioannides stated that more than 5,200 Syrians have withdrawn their asylum applications or renounced their subsidiary protection status, with the majority having voluntarily returned to Syria.
At the same time, nearly 2,000 asylum applications submitted by Syrian nationals have been rejected.
An important role in this effort is also played by the revised 2026 Assisted Voluntary Return Scheme for Families Returning to Syria. Under the scheme, one family member is permitted to remain in Cyprus and work for two years, while the rest of the family must withdraw their asylum applications, relinquish their protection status, and return to Syria.
What the Data Show About Asylum Applicants
An examination of the figures for asylum applicants in Cyprus shows a significant decline since 2022.
The number of asylum applications submitted in Cyprus over recent years is as follows:
- 2019: 12,724
- 2020: 7,094
- 2021: 13,235
- 2022: 21,565
- 2023: 11,617
- 2024: 6,769
- 2025: 2,835
Regarding the nationalities of asylum applicants in 2025, Syrians constituted the largest group, with 915 applicants.
They were followed by:
- India: 69
- Nigeria: 108
- Yemen: 66
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: 88
- Iran: 229
- Iraq: 100
- Sudan: 239
- Somalia: 276
- Afghanistan: 261
- Other nationalities: 484