irregular migrants

President in talks with UN over migrants in buffer zone

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President in talks with UN over migrants in buffer zone

President Nikos Christodoulides is in contact with the UN peacekeeping force regarding 13 migrants reported to be living in the buffer zone near the university grounds. The migrants are from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Cameroon and had come from the north after being denied entrance to the state-controlled areas. The UN peacekeeping force is working with UNCHR to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable migrants.

Cyprus , ‘not alone’ over migration

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Cyprus , ‘not alone’ over migration

Fact: Greek Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis said that Cyprus is “not alone” on the matter of migration and that Greece supports the initiatives put forward by Cyprus.

15 irregular migrants in the border region of Tylliria

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15 irregular migrants in the border region of Tylliria

Fifteen Syrian irregular migrants arrived in the border region of Tylliria, crossing from occupied Limnitis to the free areas and Kato Pyrgos. They were spotted by a police patrol and consisted of nine men, four women, and two children aged eight. They will be taken to the Pournara migrant accommodation center in Kokkinotrimithia by bus.

Ioannou hails Cyprus, ’ migrant returns policy

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Ioannou hails Cyprus, ’ migrant returns policy

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou extolled the virtues of Cyprus’ migrant returns policy during an inter-ministerial meeting attended by the European Union’s 27 member states’ ministers responsible for asylum and migration in Ghent. Cyprus has seen a 66% increase in the number of irregular migrants returned to their countries of origin in 2023 compared to the previous year. Cyprus has the highest number of migrant returns per head of any EU member state. The EU pact on migration and asylum, set to be fully implemented in June 2026, includes provisions for managing surges in migrant flows and screening third country nationals entering the EU. Ioannou hopes for mandatory relocation of asylum seekers between member states.

Two boats bearing over one hundred Syrians brought to port

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Two boats bearing over one hundred Syrians brought to port

A 16-year-old was arrested as the navigator of a boat carrying 73 Syrian migrants that arrived in Larnaca. Another boat with 37 irregular migrants was also intercepted off Cape Greco.

Cyprus returns over 3,000 migrants in four months

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Cyprus returns over 3,000 migrants in four months

Cyprus has returned over 3,000 migrants in the first four months of 2024, which is almost a thousand more than all returns in the previous year.

Cyprus suspends asylum processing for Syrians (Update)

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Cyprus suspends asylum processing for Syrians (Update)

Cyprus has suspended its processing of asylum claims for applicants of Syrian origin.

President , ‘expects substantive EU support’

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President , ‘expects substantive EU support’

Cyprus expects substantive support from the EU in the face of soaring migrant flows. Cyprus is facing increasing flows of Syrian irregular migrants from Lebanon. EU competitiveness should be bolstered through the deepening of the EU single market.

‘Migration has a humanitarian aspect’

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‘Migration has a humanitarian aspect’

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou highlighted the importance of handling migration in Cyprus due to the country’s proximity to regions with political crises and conflicts. The government has implemented changes to asylum rules, increased inspections to prevent illegal employment, launched an online information campaign, and focused on breaking down smuggling rings. As a result, arrivals and asylum applications have decreased, with a significant drop in asylum seekers from African countries. The government is also working on improving infrastructure and creating a pre-departure center to strengthen the deportation sector. Additionally, Cyprus ranks first in the EU for the percentage of departures over arrivals and fourth in absolute numbers of returns and expulsions. Integration and social inclusion of immigrants are also important, with a comprehensive policy in place for housing, employment, skills improvement, education, and health.

Migrant boat captain remanded for six days

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Migrant boat captain remanded for six days

A 44-year-old man was remanded in custody for six days for captaining a boat that brought 22 irregular migrants to Cyprus. Over 800 irregular migrants have arrived in Cyprus in the last week, leading to concerns about overcrowding in migrant housing facilities.