Cyprus reports significant drop in irregular migration and ramps up deportations

Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides announced on July 31, 2026, a substantial decline in migration metrics for the first half of the year. Irregular arrivals and new asylum applications decreased by 92% and 93% respectively compared to 2022. The government attributed this success to enhanced patrols along the Green Line and maritime borders, alongside stricter asylum management. Specifically, pending applications dropped to under 13,500 by the end of July, down from 24,000 in June 2024. Syrian asylum applications fell by 96.8% compared to the first half of 2024, with nearly 2,000 rejections recorded since early 2025.

Simultaneously, law enforcement continues to prioritize returns. Over 5,000 third-country nationals were repatriated in 2026 through voluntary and forced procedures. On August 2, 2026, authorities arrested 40 additional individuals for illegal stay in Limassol, with immediate deportation processes initiated for some. The Ministry is urging Syrians who no longer meet international protection criteria to utilize the voluntary return program, which concludes on October 30, 2026. Police operations targeting illegal residency are set to continue daily to maintain these lower flow levels.