Cyprus has emerged as a leader among EU nations in successfully returning irregular migrants, as highlighted by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou at a recent gathering in Larnaca.
The Numbers Speak
This November saw Cyprus achieving a new balance in migration, with returns outpacing arrivals, showcasing a positive trend. The focus, according to Ioannou, is to bolster the return sector to manage migration effectively.
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Since April, a doubling in asylum examiners and a 50% dip in new applications have helped boost returns by 60% compared to 2022. By October 2023, a total of 9,300 individuals departed Cyprus, a significant rise from 5,800 during the same period in 2022.
European Union Support
The Minister emphasized the necessity for EU-level coordination, highlighting the importance of agreements with third countries as part of the Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan. This approach aims to alleviate pressure on frontline countries.
With the European Commission’s allocation of €162 million for Cyprus’s Internal Affairs Funds from 2021-2027, including €134 million from EU resources, Cyprus is well-equipped to handle migration challenges. These measures underscore the EU’s recognition of Cyprus’s disproportionate burden.
