Syrian migration and repatriation in Cyprus and Lebanon

In early October 2026, Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) disrupted a human smuggling operation in the Al-Aboudiya area. Authorities arrested one individual and nine Syrian nationals who were being held for an illegal sea crossing to Cyprus. Investigations indicated that organizers were charging $5,000 USD per person for the smuggling attempt.

By late October, the Cypriot government announced a shift in migration policy toward the forced return of Syrian nationals who lack legal residency. Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicolas Ioannides stated that the state is moving toward mandatory deportations for those whose asylum applications have been rejected or whose protection status has been revoked.

Ioannides noted that since December 2024, over 5,000 Syrian asylum applications have been rejected, citing changed conditions in Syria. While approximately 6,000 Syrians have left Cyprus voluntarily and another 6,000 have expressed intent to repatriate, the government is now implementing mandatory measures and addressing the abuse of student residence permits.