Filenews 6 July 2023
Migrant returns so far in 2023 have exceeded 4,370 and are much higher than last year when they were 2353, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said.
During the meeting, the Minister briefed on the current situation regarding migration, while the discussion included funding from the European Commission, strengthening cooperation, as well as a review of the operational plan signed between the Republic of Cyprus and the European Asylum Agency.
The Minister during the meeting, which he had with the Executive Director of the European Asylum Agency (EUAA), Nina Gregory, and the Deputy Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, Beate Gminder, to discuss issues related to asylum and migration, at the Ministry of Interior, among others, expressed his gratitude to the European Commission and the European Agency, two of Cyprus' most valuable partners, he said, in the effort to manage migration flows.
He referred to the current situation, which presents a better picture compared to last year. According to an official announcement, as he said, the applicants for international protection in 2023 (until the end of June) were 5.563, compared to 2022 (until the end of June) which was 12.048. The returns so far in 2023 are over 4,370, much increased compared to last year (2022 in the same period) when they were 2353.
At the meeting with the two European officials, the Minister said that today's numbers show some positive development and a sign that the measures taken so far are working, but there is no complacency "The situation is still huge to deal with and we all have an important role to play."
He also noted that the elaboration of the Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean is a big step for Cyprus and Cyprus is eagerly awaiting its content and the measures to be taken.
It should be noted that for Cyprus the action plan is extremely important as it is expected to include concrete measures that will have tangible results, in order to have added value to our efforts to tackle irregular flows mainly from the green line.
The two European officials stressed the progress Cyprus has achieved recently both in asylum and reception procedures and in the field of returns.
Subsequently, the Minister together with the EC. Director of the European Commission. Agency and Ann. The EU DG visited the upgraded Accommodation Centre for Applicants for International Protection in Kofinou, which has completed its basic upgrading and expansion works, and starts operating – accepting residents – in about 2 weeks.
