Significant decline in unaccompanied minor migrants in Cyprus

The number of unaccompanied minor migrants in Cyprus has decreased significantly, dropping to fewer than 350 individuals as of September 2026. This figure marks a substantial reduction from the approximately 1,100 minors who were under the guardianship of Social Welfare Services earlier in 2024.

The decline follows a reorganization of migration management. Since January 1, 2026, the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection has taken over the responsibility for managing housing structures and centers for unaccompanied minors. Previously, this function fell under the Social Welfare Services. Following a Council of Ministers decision in February 2026, the Asylum Service launched a state aid scheme. This initiative resulted in the approval of one-year funding for two organizations, 'Hope for Children' and 'MetAction', which currently house minors in small-capacity facilities.

Authorities are also in negotiations to continue an agreement with the International Organization for Migration regarding additional housing support. The data regarding the current caseload was provided by the Deputy Ministry of Migration in response to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by Larnaca MP Sotiris Ioannou.