Cyprus reports 92% drop in irregular migration arrivals

Cyprus has recorded a 92% decrease in irregular arrivals compared to 2022, according to Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannides. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 4,000 individuals have been repatriated or deported.

The reduction is attributed to a combination of measures, including enhanced surveillance of the Green Line, the installation of cameras, increased maritime patrols, and the acceleration of asylum application processing. Ioannides noted that asylum applications are now processed within weeks or months rather than years.

Pressure on the Pournara Reception and Hostility Centre has also significantly decreased, with the population dropping from over 3,000 to 142 residents. Additionally, the Minister reported evidence of smugglers operating in the occupied areas, stating that video footage shows individuals guiding migrants toward free areas.