Cyprus to begin forced returns of Syrian nationals

Cyprus is initiating the forced return of Syrian nationals who no longer hold legal residency status in the Republic. Nicolas Ioannides, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, announced that the government is entering a new phase of migration policy focusing on individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected or whose international protection status has been revoked.

Since December 2024, more than 5,000 asylum applications from Syrian nationals have been rejected. Ioannides stated that conditions in Syria have changed, meaning many no longer qualify for the same protection previously provided. While approximately 6,000 Syrians have already left Cyprus voluntarily and another 6,000 have expressed intent to repatriate through assisted programs, the state is now moving toward mandatory deportations.

Additionally, the government is introducing measures to combat the abuse of student residence permits. The Deputy Minister also noted a 92% decrease in irregular arrivals and highlighted that the police have taken over the guarding of migration centers.