The number of unaccompanied minor migrants in Cyprus has decreased to less than 350, from about 1,100 who were under the tutelage of the Social Welfare Services when the Deputy Ministry of Migration was established. This data was given in response to a question by the Deputy Ministry of Migration to a question by Larnaca MP Sotiris Ioannou.
According to the response, as of January 1, 2026, the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection assumed responsibility for the management of structures and centers for unaccompanied minors, while the responsibility for housing in organized structures was transferred from the Social Welfare Services to the Deputy Ministry.
Following the approval of the Council of Ministers in February 2026, the Asylum Service announced a State Aid Plan, under which aid was approved for one year to two organizations, "Hope for Children" and "MetAction". The two organizations already housed unaccompanied minors in specific premises, while the continuation of the agreement with the International Organization for Migration for the accommodation of unaccompanied minors is also under negotiation.
Organizations currently meet housing needs in small structures with a capacity of five to 15 people each. Accommodation places were reduced from 396 in 2025 to 254 at the beginning of February 2026, while in August, when the answer was given, the Deputy Ministry housed 132 unaccompanied minors throughout Cyprus in the structures under its management. The structures are located near urban centers, in order to ensure the access of minors to hospitals, schools and jobs, as provided by national and European legislation.
The Deputy Ministry also states that the accommodation of unaccompanied minors has become manageable due to the reduction of irregular flows and arrivals of unaccompanied minors. He also notes that controls in the structures have been increased, while, in a letter to the Chief of Police, the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection has provided the Police with access to the structures to deal with possible delinquent behaviours, which, as reported, have been significantly reduced.
As stated in the response, cases of unaccompanied minors with delinquent behaviour are promptly dealt with and, where possible, fast-track return procedures are promoted. At the same time, asylum seekers who entered the Republic as unaccompanied minors and have now reached the age of majority are examined as a matter of priority.
Regarding the location of the structures, the Deputy Ministry emphasizes that the management of the issue requires the continuation of cooperation with parliamentary parties and local authorities, in order to find solutions that ensure both the obligations of the Republic towards asylum seekers and the safety of citizens and public order.
