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Firstly, allow me, Commissioner
Johansson, to warmly welcome you to Cyprus and express my gratitude and
appreciation to you personally and the Commission for all your help and
support.
Today’s meeting was very
constructive. We had the opportunity to review Cyprus’ actions for a coherent
and holistic response to the challenge of migration.
Cyprus, an island and
non-Schengen country, is facing the greatest migration problem amongst the EU
member states. Specifically, 5.5% of the population, four times higher than
the EU average, are new asylum applicants or international protection
holders.
I informed the Commissioner
about our new approach during the last ten months and most specifically the
implementation of a four-pillar policy, which includes reducing the arrivals,
upgrading the infrastructure, accelerating the application procedures and
increasing the returns.
During this period, we have
doubled the number of case examiners, thus succeeding to mitigate the time
needed for a case to be concluded, we have increased the number of decisions
and limited the access to labor market.
In addition to these, we have
been intensively promoting the voluntary return program with financial
incentives, which led to a significant increase in the number of voluntary
returns.
These measures have resulted in
the decrease in the number of arrivals and applications. As data show, there
was a swift in the trend regarding the arrivals of migrants in comparison to
2022. Specifically, in 2023 the total number of arrivals and applications
dropped by 50% in comparison to 2022, while the number of arrivals of
migrants from African countries, through the Green Line, was reduced by 60%.
For the first time, we have a
positive rate in terms of people leaving Cyprus in comparison to the ones
arriving to the island. The fact that during 2023 we had a 116%
return-arrival rate is remarkable, especially taking into consideration the
situation in the rest of Europe.
These results come as a
culmination of the very good work by Cyprus Authorities and the constant
support and collaboration with the Commission. We are very satisfied by the
financial and technical support received so far, and we want this to continue
in order to be able to address this challenge effectively.
In the same context, I
expressed my satisfaction on the conclusion of the Action Plan on Eastern
Mediterranean as it is considered an important tool in the field of external
dimension of migration. From the very start of its implementation, we have so
far seen an important decrease in the numbers of migrants arriving from
Turkey and therefore, we are confident that its full implementation will
produce more tangible results.
We also had the chance to
discuss the matter of integration, as we feel that substantial integration
goes hand-in-hand with the reduction of the number of arrivals. For that
matter, two separate strategies are being prepared and will be implemented
within 2024. Both strategies are part of our comprehensive policy for
providing a better support environment for people in need, in terms of
education, health, housing and work opportunities.
Finally, I conveyed Cyprus’
great concern as regards the unprecedently large migration flows arriving
from Syria. Cyprus, as a front-line member state, is called to manage a great
number of international protection holders.
Due to its geographical
proximity to Syria, Cyprus is exposed to disproportionately large numbers of
illegal migrants arriving from the area, which puts pressure in our reception
system. In this regard, I have reiterated our position that the time has come
to, collectively, open the discussion for the re-evaluation of the state of
affairs of Syria or at least specific areas in the country, and,
subsequently, the protection status of the Syrians. We must reconsider the
overall situation, based on existing realities and find what is the most
balanced way to handle this matter, having in mind the geopolitical
developments in the area of Eastern Mediterranean.
Commissioner Johansson,
Cyprus considers migration
management as one of its top priorities. We feel that during the last ten
months we have established a very close and honest cooperation with the
Commission. Allow me to convey our gratitude to the Commission and yourself,
personally, for supporting and promoting Cyprus’ requests.
Let me, once again, before
giving the floor to you, reaffirm our commitment to work together with you
for addressing the challenges that lay ahead of us.
(MKy)
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