Filenews 21 November 2023
The number of new asylum seekers, i.e. persons who first applied for international protection in the European Union, fell by 33% in Cyprus and increased by 19% in the EU in August 2023, compared to August 2022, according to monthly asylum data released by Eurostat. Eurostat.
In absolute numbers, 895 new applications for international protection were recorded in Cyprus in August 2023, while 1,340 were recorded in August 2022. At EU level, 91,735 applications were registered in August this year, compared to 77,145 in August last year.
There were also 5,660 subsequent applications at EU level, i.e. applications from people who had previously applied for asylum and had been rejected. The number of subsequent applications decreased by 8% compared to August 2022 (6,165).
For Cyprus (and Sweden) no data are available on subsequent requests due to a temporary derogation from the reporting requirement.
As in previous months, the highest number of new asylum seekers was recorded in Germany (29,110), followed by Spain (12,075), France (11,495) and Italy (10,005). These countries accounted for a total of 68% of all new applications in the EU.
Relative to population, 20.5 new applications per 100 thousand people were recorded in August 2023 in the EU. At national level, based on data for 1 January 2023, the highest proportion of new applications was recorded in Cyprus (97.0 applicants per 100 thousand), and Austria (72.4). The lowest proportion was recorded in Hungary (0.0).
Also in August 2023, Syrians continued to constitute the largest group of asylum seekers in the EU (18,170 first-time applicants). They were followed by Afghans (9,785), Turks (7,970), Venezuelans (4,805) and Colombians (4,665).
As regards unaccompanied minors, last August 4,465 unaccompanied minors submitted new asylum applications in the EU. Most came from Syria (1,540) and Afghanistan (1,420).
Most new applications from unaccompanied minors in the EU were recorded in Germany (1,250), Austria (795) and Bulgaria (735).
For Cyprus (and Poland) there are no data on applications from unaccompanied minors due to a temporary derogation from the reporting obligation.
CNA
