Cyprus completes EU solidarity mechanism and introduces new voluntary return plan for Syrians

The Cypriot Deputy Ministry of Migration and the Asylum Service announced the completion of the EU Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism, which facilitated the relocation of 3,039 asylum seekers from Cyprus to other EU member states. Cyprus recorded the highest number of relocations among the five frontline Mediterranean states. Furthermore, the ministry introduced a new voluntary repatriation scheme for Syrian nationals effective from June 9 to October 30, 2026. This plan applies to Syrian families or couples who applied for or received international protection before December 31, 2024. Eligible families returning to Syria will receive financial incentives of €2,000 for each returning spouse, €1,500 per child, and an additional €1,000 for those already holding protected status. The program allows one adult family member to remain in Cyprus with a special two-year residence permit and unrestricted access to the labor market until August 31, 2028. According to Deputy Minister Nikolas Ioanides, approximately 5,000 Syrians have already voluntarily left or withdrawn their applications since December 2024. The initiative aims to support families, address local labor shortages, and manage migration flows in compliance with the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact.