Filenews 17 October 2025
The Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection has observed a significant reduction in irregular migration flows to the Republic of Cyprus in the last two and a half years, according to the Deputy Minister Dr. Nicolas A. Ioannides. As he mentioned, Cyprus recorded 10,092 returns in 2024 and has already exceeded 10,000 from January 2025 to date.
According to an official announcement, in preparation for the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU by the Republic of Cyprus, the Deputy Minister participated on Wednesday, representing the Republic of Cyprus, in the event for the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement ("40th Anniversary – Signature of the Schengen Agreement"), co-organized by the European Parliament and the European Commission.
During his intervention at the event, the Deputy Minister stressed the commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to the goal of full membership in the Schengen Zone. He pointed out that in order to achieve this goal, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is working hard and has made enormous progress. Also, the Deputy Minister stated that Cyprus' entry into Schengen will contribute to safeguarding the interests of the European Union in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In addition, Dr. Ioannides highlighted the significant reduction of irregular migration flows to the Republic of Cyprus over the last two and a half years, as a result of targeted actions at national and international level. Specifically, he noted that irregular arrivals have decreased by 87% compared to 2022. Particular emphasis was placed on returns, where Cyprus demonstrates consistent and remarkable efficiency, as the country recorded 10,092 returns in 2024 and has already exceeded 10,000 from January 2025 to date, the announcement concludes.
The announcement states that the State Secretary held successive meetings in the European Parliament with representatives of political groups and institutions. The purpose of the contacts was to exchange views and coordinate in the run-up to the Presidency, with a focus on institutional cooperation and the promotion of relevant legislative files in the field of migration.
In particular, the State Secretary met with Birgit Sippel (Germany), Coordinator of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Group, the Coordinators of the European People's Party (EPP), Lena Düpont (Germany) and Michal Wawrykiewicz (Poland) – with Ms. Düpont and in her capacity as Rapporteur on safe countries of origin, the Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) – Javier Zarzalejos (EPP, Spain), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR, Italy), Rapporteur on Safe Third Countries, and Fabienne Keller (France), Coordinator of ReNew Europe, in the presence of Malik Azmani (Netherlands), Rapporteur on the Return Regulation.
The discussions, it is stated, focused on the priorities of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency, including the effective promotion of critical files, such as safe countries of origin and safe third countries, as well as the promotion of the Return Regulation, with the aim of ensuring a coherent and effective implementation of the EU acquis.
The Deputy Minister underlined the will of the Republic of Cyprus for close cooperation with the European Parliament and all political groups, in order to ensure smooth institutional continuity and substantial progress during the Cyprus Presidency.
On the sidelines of his contacts, the Deputy Minister invited all Cypriot MEPs to a working lunch, which was attended by Loucas Fourlas (DISY – EPP/EPP Group), Costas Mavrides (DIKO – S&D Group) and Geadis Geadi (ELAM – ECR Group). During the lunch, the Deputy Minister briefed on issues of his portfolio and the priorities of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency in relation to migration.
CNA
