Filenews 29 May 2025
For Syrian families who all wish to return, the same will apply today, i.e. the whole family will be included in the existing Assisted Voluntary Returns Program with the existing financial incentives, the Deputy Minister of Migration said at a press conference for the presentation of the Assistance Plan for the Assisted Repatriation of Families in Syria.
As Mr. Nikolas A. Ioannidis said, the Plan, which is voluntary in nature, will be strictly implemented for the period from June 2 to August 31 of this year, and interested parties should contact the authorities and register within this period.
In summary, it is stated that the procedure to be followed includes as a first step the application for withdrawal of an application for international protection or revocation of international protection status. Subsequently, the family will be included in the voluntary returns program and the person who will remain will apply for a special residence and employment permit. It is emphasized that the right to apply for the Special Residence Permit will be granted after the rest of the family leaves the Republic of Cyprus. Finally, after all the required checks and the examination of the request have been completed, the relevant residence and employment permit will be issued.
Interested parties, the Deputy Minister said, will be able to receive more details and information about the Plan online, through the website of the Ministry of Asylum, the Asylum Service and the Migration Department, as well as from the point where they can submit a declaration of interest, i.e., at the headquarters of the Asylum Service of the Deputy Ministry.
"In conclusion, this new plan of voluntary returns is a targeted, humane and realistic policy that enhances the smooth transition to the post-war period in Syria."
As the Republic of Cyprus stressed, since the beginning of the war in Syria in 2011, it has provided international protection to thousands of Syrians who have fled the horrors of war, in compliance with its international and European obligations.
With this Plan, the Republic of Cyprus provides the opportunity to those who wish to return to their homeland with dignity and with the necessary equipment. At the same time, the plan also addresses concerns about the labour shortage in Cyprus.
Therefore, the Deputy Minister concluded, this Plan constitutes a positive and practical response to the challenges of the time, confirming Cyprus' commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the migration issue, based on mutual benefit and the promotion of stability in the region.
His speech is unchanged
I welcome you to today's press conference of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection to present the Voluntary Returns to Syria Plan, which concerns Syrian families residing in Cyprus either as asylum seekers or as holders of international protection.
The Plan was prepared by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection and will come into force in June. It is emphasized that we are in full coordination with the European Commission, which will be kept informed of the implementation of the Plan.
Before examining the individual aspects of the Plan, it is appropriate to highlight the events and developments that preceded it, which provide the necessary background for the correct assessment of the objectives and importance of the Plan, while at the same time highlighting the framework within which it was formed and is planned to be implemented.
After the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria is going through a critical transition period. The formation of a transitional government is a first but important step towards the political stabilization of the country and the beginning of the process of its reconstruction. The European Union has already announced a package of financial aid and has lifted part of the sanctions imposed on Syria in order to actively assist this effort. Through development programmes, technical assistance and diplomatic support, the international community aspires to support Syria on its difficult path towards peace and stability.
The reconstruction of Syria is not limited to the restoration of damaged infrastructure and state mechanisms. Of particular importance is the return of the millions of displaced Syrians from various countries, who can make a decisive contribution to the restart of the economy and the reconstruction of the social fabric. The success of reconstruction depends on political will, international cooperation and, above all, on the active participation of the Syrian people themselves.
Already, about 2,500 Syrian citizens have withdrawn their asylum applications or have revoked their protection status and about 2,400 have returned to Syria from Cyprus, taking advantage of the Assisted Voluntary Returns Program implemented by the Deputy Ministry in cooperation with the Police. In addition, it is noted that in the last year hundreds of thousands of Syrians have returned to Syria from neighbouring countries. At the same time, the provision of humanitarian and technical assistance is being launched through the competent international organizations, in order to facilitate the safe and dignified return of even more people who choose to repatriate with their will.
Through the continuous contacts of the competent Departments of the Deputy Ministry with Syrian applicants, as well as beneficiaries of international protection, it was found that many of them wish to be repatriated and contribute to the reconstruction of their country, but are hesitant due to economic difficulties.
Taking into account the expressed will of a significant part of the Syrian population to return to their country, the efforts made for the rapid recovery of Syria, as well as the needs of the Cypriot economy, the Plan we are presenting today was formulated.
The Plan aims to support Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts by offering Syrian citizens incentives to return to their country and participate in these efforts. On the other hand, the Plan will contribute to meeting the needs of the Cypriot market in terms of workforce. It is also part of the government's strategy to combat irregular migration by providing alternative legal migration pathways, as well as illegal/undeclared work.
The Scheme will concern Syrian families residing in Cyprus, whether they have applied for asylum or received international protection before 31 December 2024, including couples without children. Prisoners are excluded from the plan. Specifically, families or couples where one parent or spouse, respectively, wishes to remain in Cyprus for employment purposes, and the rest of the family wishes to leave, will be able to join the Plan. A basic prerequisite will be the withdrawal of an asylum request/revocation of international protection status.
Within the framework of the Plan, the parent/spouse will be granted a special residence and work permit for two years, with the possibility of renewal for another year under conditions. The rest of the departing family will benefit from increased financial incentives with the support of the European Union – i.e. €2,000 to the returning spouse, instead of €1,500 currently provided, and €1,000 for each child who returns, instead of €750 currently in force.
