Cyprus revokes asylum and residency status for individuals involved in criminal activity

Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum Nicolas Ioannides has ordered the revocation of asylum status for 95 individuals, including 80 Syrian nationals, due to their involvement in criminal activities. Authorities have also revoked residency permits for Indian nationals implicated in May’s violent clashes in Limassol and international protection status for Syrians involved in a recent disturbance in Xylophagou. Reports indicate that over 2,000 asylum applications from Syrian nationals have been rejected by the Asylum Service. Forced returns to Syria are expected to commence soon, citing changes in the political situation in the country. Simultaneously, the Deputy Ministry is promoting an EU-funded voluntary repatriation scheme for Syrian families, which offers financial incentives and allows one family member to remain for employment purposes. Official data presented by Ioannides to the House of Representatives suggests a 92% decline in asylum seeker arrivals during the first half of 2026 compared to 2022. Furthermore, the government reports that approximately 35,000 non-EU nationals have departed Cyprus since the current administration took office.