in-cyprus 23 September 2024
The number of undocumented migrants arriving in Cyprus has plummeted since last May, while returns and deportations have surged.
The First Reception Center in Pournara is operating with a significantly reduced capacity, housing around 300 migrants.
A key factor in the decline in arrivals has been the suspension of asylum applications for Syrians.
Nicosia has been lobbying the European Union to declare parts of Syria as safe for repatriation.
The U.N. human rights office stated earlier this year that based on evidence it has gathered, Syrian refugees who fled the ongoing Syrian civil war are facing gross human rights violations such as torture and abduction on their return to Syria, while women are subject to sexual harassment and violence.
The suspension of applications from Syrian asylum seekers, along with increased security measures at points of entry in the country have led to a reduction in the number of people entering Cyprus.
While over 10,000 undocumented migrants arrived in Cyprus in 2023, the total for this year, up until September 18, is just over 5,000.
The government has also intensified efforts to deport those residing without permits in the country. Returns and voluntary departures have reached record-high levels, with over 7,400 individuals removed this year alone.
However, Cyprus has been accused by international organisations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN’s peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) of pushing back migrants in the buffer zone and the sea.
This has left more than 80 migrants stranded in the buffer zone in Nicosia after being denied access to asylum procedures.
The government is also moving forward with the creation of a reception centre and pre-departure in Limnes.
The pre-departure centre will have a capacity of 1,000. It is meant to hold people awaiting for deportation.
