Today, Minister of Interior Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou provided an update to the Cabinet on the results achieved so far from the measures implemented over the past 11 months regarding migration.
In his statements following the conclusion of the Ministerial Council meeting, Mr. Ioannou stated:
“Through a comprehensive approach focusing on four axes, we have been able to reverse the negative image our country had and now record a positive balance. Despite the volatile external factors that may affect migration data, in 2023 Cyprus has achieved a 46% reduction in irregular migrant applications and a simultaneous 66% increase in returns.
A significant decrease of 72% was also recorded in the number of new asylum seekers from African countries and a 59% decrease in arrivals through the Green Line. Detailed data will be provided to you subsequently.
Following the encouraging results of 2023, January 2024 equally showed positive signs. Specifically, within January, 782 individuals arrived in Cyprus, the overwhelming majority of them by sea (647 individuals, 83%). At the same time, the highest number of departures from the country was recorded, totaling 1,081 individuals, who either chose voluntary return programs or relocation mechanisms, or were deported.
According to the January 2024 data, the departure-to-arrival ratio reached 138%. While other EU member states report much lower return rates upon arrivals – some as low as 1% – Cyprus, with the targeted policies it has implemented, ranks first in the EU in terms of departure-to-arrival ratio and fourth in absolute numbers of returns and deportations.
Furthermore, I would like to mention that at this moment, the residents in Pournara are around 526, which is the lowest number of residents for many years.
For these encouraging results, we received commendations from Commissioner Johansson, who urged other countries to follow Cyprus’s example, as well as from our European partners and officials of relevant migration organizations such as UNHCR and EUAA.
At the same time, however, increased arrivals by sea cause particular concern. In 2023, there was a 355% increase in irregular migrant arrivals through maritime routes, the vast majority of whom are of Syrian origin. It is a tragic finding that these individuals are being pushed from Syria and Lebanon by migrant smuggling networks. For this reason, our goal moving forward is to enhance efforts to combat smuggling networks and improve surveillance of the Lebanese coast.
The issue was extensively discussed during Commissioner Johansson’s recent visit, during which I conveyed the European Commission’s need to take more active action in the effort to better and more effectively combat smuggling networks. It was agreed that Europol would take on a greater role, as envisaged in the Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan. At the national level, we have established a task force in cooperation with the Cyprus Police Immigration Service to ensure coordination and enhanced operational capability.
Finally, I would like to remind you of the initiative undertaken by the Cypriot Government since last summer to reassess the status of Syria, based on the prevailing circumstances in the country at the given time and following the assessment conducted by the relevant European agencies, such as the European Asylum Support Office, which considers two areas in Syria as safe. The new assessment plan by the agency will be completed by April. A potential conclusion at the European level to designate specific areas in the country as safe will facilitate the return of Syrian nationals to those areas under strict conditions ensuring their protection.
Moreover, as recently announced, our goal within 2024 is to process asylum applications within 30 days, something that is already mostly implemented, to reinforce the Return Office with additional personnel to further enhance returns, and to tighten measures against migrant smugglers.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that migration is a volatile issue influenced by various external factors. Vigilance and readiness are therefore required at all levels. Undoubtedly, the establishment of the Ministry of Migration, which is expected to be voted on next week, will contribute to this direction. Concentrating migration-related responsibilities under the umbrella of a Ministry is crucial for maintaining positive results and further improving them.”
Subsequently, when asked by media representatives to provide more information about the actions to combat migrant smuggling networks, Mr. Ioannou explained that he and Commissioner Johansson agreed to establish a tripartite team, with members from Europol and Interpol, the Cyprus Police, and Lebanese authorities, to achieve better results.
As the Minister of Interior stated, Europol’s involvement lends greater weight to the overall effort.
When asked if the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus to reassess the status of Syria finds favorable ground at the EU level, the Minister responded positively, noting that in private meetings with his counterparts, “the majority accepts and acknowledges that something must be done for a reassessment. There are still some reactions from countries with a heavy view, so the climate, in short, is positive. It is important for us to have the assessment from the European Asylum Support Office, which will be ready next April. Any conclusion that indeed some areas need to be recognized as safe will be decisive in the decisions the EU will make.”
