Filenews 18 September 2025
From 2022 to September 17, 2025, more than 3,000 applicants for international protection were relocated from Cyprus to nine EU member states, under the European Union's Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM), according to the Deputy Ministry of Migration and the Asylum Service.
"With the achievement of this milestone, Cyprus now records the highest number of relocations among the five frontline countries of the Mediterranean participating in the Mechanism (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta and Spain)," the Deputy Ministry said in a statement.
Specifically, it notes that from August 2022 to September 17, 3,006 relocations were carried out, with the vast majority (2,913) having been implemented from March 2023 to date.
Relocations are implemented in close cooperation and under the coordination of the European Commission, as well as with the support of the European Asylum Agency (EUAA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). As part of the process, the EUAA organised dedicated information sessions to ensure that applicants are fully informed and give their explicit consent to participate in the relocation scheme. This effort included people with special needs, vulnerable people, families and unaccompanied children.
It is recalled that the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism is designed to support frontline Member States disproportionately affected by migration flows, either through direct relocations or – in addition – through a financial contribution from other Member States. Relocation activities are fully funded by the European Union's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.
"The achievement of this milestone confirms the effectiveness of the operational coordination between the Republic of Cyprus and our European and international partners. At the same time, it highlights the importance of practical European solidarity both for the decongestion of reception structures and for the protection of the rights of applicants for international protection", says the Deputy Ministry.
It also notes that the Republic of Cyprus will continue to work with determination and transparency on the management of migration, strengthening synergies with its partners and ensuring safe and legal procedures for those in need of international protection.
