Cyprus reports decline in irregular migration and progress in return policies

On July 9, 2026, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides reported to the House Interior Committee that irregular migrant arrivals in Cyprus decreased by 92% in the first half of 2026 compared to 2022. There are currently 200,000 legally resident foreign nationals in Cyprus and 30,000 international protection beneficiaries. Pending asylum applications have dropped from approximately 24,000–35,000 three years ago to 13,500. Officials noted that 35,000 third-country nationals have departed the country since the current administration took office, with a 2025 arrival-to-departure ratio of one to five. A voluntary repatriation scheme for Syrian nationals, funded by the European Union, includes cash incentives of 2,000 euros for spouses and 1,500 euros for children. Furthermore, the government has upgraded the Pournara reception centre and implemented new infrastructure at Limnes. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the state reserves the right to revoke asylum status in cases of delinquent behavior, aligning with new EU migration pact guidelines.