Justice Minister and UNHCR representative discuss migration management in Cyprus

On Friday, September 11, 2026, the Minister of Justice and Public Order of Cyprus, Costas Fitiris, held an introductory meeting with the new representative of the UNHCR in Cyprus, Leslie Esther Velez. The officials discussed the ongoing challenges regarding migratory flows and the processing of asylum applications within the country.

A central focus of the discussion was the return of individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected. According to the Ministry of Justice, Velez acknowledged that persons who do not qualify for international protection should be returned to their countries of origin. The dialogue further extended to broader issues, including irregular migration, human trafficking, the protection of vulnerable groups, and efforts to prevent and address violence against women.

The meeting served as a platform for the two officials to exchange perspectives on strengthening the cooperation between the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and the UNHCR. Both parties emphasized the necessity of effective management regarding asylum seekers and refugees to ensure that relevant legal and humanitarian standards are upheld in the future.