From 12,000 asylum applications a few years ago, we have reached just a few hundred, with migration not only now manageable, but also allowing those responsible to deal with legal migration and reintegration.
The numbers in this case tell the truth, since the decrease in asylum seeker arrivals in the first half of 2026 reached 92% compared to 2022, while since the beginning of the current government, about 35,000 third-country nationals have departed. At the same time, after the change of regime in Syria, 5,200 nationals have left voluntarily.
According to data presented yesterday to the parliamentary Committee on Interior by the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum Nikolas Ioannidis, in 2025 a total of 12.029 departures were recorded, the highest number ever achieved, with a ratio of arrivals to departures of 1 to 5.
"The current situation continues to confirm the correctness of our policy: in the first half of 2026, illegal arrivals decreased by 92% compared to 2022, while since the beginning of the governance, around 35,000 third-country nationals have departed." There are currently 13,500 pending asylum applications.
The situation with pending asylum applications also shows a clear improvement, since from the 35,000 pending three years ago we have now reached 13,500, i.e. a decrease of 86%.
Mr. Ioannidis made special reference to the refugee law in the context of the recently passed Pact on Migration, stressing that the central goal is to turn migration flows from a problem into a solution. We sent the message to the EU that we will give protection to those who are entitled but we will safeguard our borders, he stressed. He dwelt on two milestones, the launch of the pact on migration and the new regulation on returns.
Regarding the infrastructure, he said that the upgrade of the Pournara First Hospitality Center has been completed, while two projects have been carried out in the Limnes area, the Accommodation Center for 1,000 people and the Pre-Removal Center where those who will be repatriated live. "We place special emphasis on Syrians who either have asylum or international protection. In addition to the 5,200 who were voluntarily repatriated, we have 2,000 withdrawals of applications, while now there is the family repatriation plan where we give them an incentive provided by the EU", underlined the Deputy Minister.
Regarding legal migration, Mr. Ioannides said that today 200,000 foreigners are legally in Cyprus and noted that 70% of immigration costs are paid by the EU. He also said that the first strategy for the reintegration of immigrants was prepared in order to break the ghettos created in various areas.
His report that there was a 90% reduction in immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa because they believed they were coming to central Europe was impressive. With on-the-spot information, advertisements and other actions, candidates who would like to come to Cyprus were informed that they would not be able to go to Europe afterwards.
Answering questions from MPs, Mr. Ioannidis said that there is cooperation with the Police and the National Guard for the surveillance of the Green Line, there are cameras, patrols, drones so that traffickers can be dealt with mainly. The controls, he underlined, are based on the Green Line Regulation that it is not a border, which is why we carry out controls on the basis of this regulation.
The numbers are the result of a specific policy: Increased Green Line surveillance and naval patrols, faster processing of asylum applications, close cooperation with third countries and European institutions, and strengthening returns. We have rescued thousands of people who were in danger at sea and our target is the traffickers who make a fortune from their criminal activity.
From a problem it turned into a solution
In their statements, the majority of MPs stressed the right work being done on the migration issue, with the Deputy Minister answering that it turned from a problem into a solution. "In simple words: Whoever is entitled to protection, receives it. Anyone who has a legal basis for residence is part of a clear framework of rules. Anyone who is not entitled to stay, returns with legal, humane and effective procedures," he stressed.
In this context, the new revised Plan to Assist the Voluntary Repatriation of Families in Syria for 2026 is also moving, which is a practical response. It enables the organized, voluntary and dignified return of families, while allowing the legal and controlled temporary stay and work of an adult family member.
As for the recipients of benefits, they currently amount to 2,000, of which 400 are Syrians, and efforts are being made to direct them to work. The recipients were reduced by 50%, while due to the delinquency they demonstrate, there is a continuous removal of status from people who violate order and security.
Those who transgress will leave - Deputy Minister: "Cyprus respects international legality, but it is a state with rules. And the rules apply to everyone"
The position of the Deputy Minister of Migration was clear about the applicants or those who have legal status and deal with illegality. "We do not tolerate any delinquent behaviour by foreigners. Acting within the framework of the law, when foreigners are deemed dangerous to public order and security, I immediately give instructions either to revoke asylum or to revoke residence permits. The message is clear: Cyprus respects international legality, but it is a state with rules. And the rules apply to everyone," he said.
Regarding the integration of immigrants into Cypriot society, Mr. Ioannides referred to the National Strategy for the Integration of legally residing immigrants, with an emphasis on learning the Greek language, skills development, access to the legal labour market and familiarization with the society, institutions, way of life and culture of Cyprus.
Finally, I referred to the developmental nature of immigration. Our aim is to streamline the processes of legal migration to help strengthen the economy, as well as solve social issues.
In this context, he noted, the new digital service for the electronic submission of applications for the renewal of specific categories of residence permits is included. It is an innovation that reduces bureaucracy, reduces the need for physical presence, and enhances transparency and administrative capacity.
Our Government and the Deputy Ministry will continue with seriousness, plan and consistency. "The priorities are clear: Implementation of the European Pact, reduction of illegal flows, reduction of pending asylum applications, utilization of the new return framework, implementation of the plan for Syrians, integration with rules, digitization of procedures, regulated legal migration that contributes to the development of our country," he concluded.
