Cyprus: Leading EU Efforts In Migrant Returns

by News Editor

April 2, 2025

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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Supervised Accounts For Users Under 13

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

Enhanced Security And Messaging Control

WhatsApp has introduced a new type of account designed for users under the age of 13, allowing parents to supervise messaging activity. The accounts are limited to messaging and voice calls and do not include advertising features, reflecting growing demand from families for safer communication tools for younger users.

Streamlined Verification And Parental Oversight

Creating a supervised account requires a parent or guardian to complete a dual-device verification process using a QR code. This procedure links the child’s device with the parent’s account, allowing guardians to monitor certain activities. Once the connection is established, parents can receive notifications when their child adds, blocks or reports contacts. The system is designed to provide oversight while still allowing children to communicate with approved contacts.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Restricted Features With Full Encryption

Several WhatsApp functions are restricted within supervised accounts. Access to Meta AI, Channels and Status updates is disabled, and disappearing messages are not available in individual chats. Despite these limitations, conversations remain protected with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain private between participants.

Controlled Interactions And Transition Options

Additional safety tools help pre-teens manage interactions with unfamiliar contacts. Context cards provide details about messages received from unknown users, including shared groups and the country where the account originated. Users also have the option to silence incoming calls from numbers that are not saved in their contacts.

Chat requests and invitations to join group conversations require a six-digit parental PIN before they can be accepted. As children grow older, WhatsApp will inform them about the option to convert their supervised profile into a standard account. Parents can postpone this transition for up to 12 months if they wish to maintain supervision for a longer period.

A Broader Commitment To Digital Safety

WhatsApp’s initiative builds on Meta’s longstanding efforts to enhance the safety of young users across its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. With over 3 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp is reinforcing its commitment to a secure digital environment. This move also coincides with regulatory trends in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the U.K., where steps are being taken to restrict social media access for younger users.

Breaking news