Filenews 29 January 2026 - by Michalis Chatzivasilis
The way is opened for the compulsory returns of Syrian asylum seekers to their country, after their rejection by the competent services of the Deputy Ministry of Migration.
The Administrative Court of International Protection ruled today in a number of appeals that the rejection decisions of the Immigration Department are legal and correct, which translates that the authorities can now force them to return to their home country.
Information from Filenews states that after the change in the Government's migration policy, asylum applications for Syrians had begun to be rejected as well. Some of them reacted and appealed to the Administrative Court of International Protection against these rejection decisions, arguing that due to the situation in their country they should not go back.
However, the Court ruled today that the rejection decisions of the Immigration Department are legal and correct. Therefore, now the rejected Syrians must return to their homeland. It is noted that several Syrians have left voluntarily after the change of regime in their country, however, many others continue to live in Cyprus with the status of political asylum seeker, refusing to return voluntarily.
Today's development with the Court's decision is considered of enormous importance, as on the one hand it paves the way for the repatriation of Syrian asylum seekers and on the other hand it vindicates the Government's migration policy of zero tolerance for delinquent behaviours of foreigners who abuse the systems and do not respect their hospitality in Cyprus.
It is noted that in recent months more than 1,000 people have voluntarily returned to Syria since the Assad regime was ousted from power, while due to the involvement of nationals of this country in criminal activities in Cyprus, it has been decided to immediately deport them by rejecting their applications or even the status of political refugee.
