Cyprus reports significant decline in irregular migration and record repatriations in 2025

Cyprus recorded an 86% decrease in irregular migrant arrivals and an 87% drop in asylum applications in 2025 compared to 2022 figures. Deputy Minister for Migration Nikolas Ioannidis reported that pending asylum cases fell by 34% relative to 2024. In 2025, the country processed a record 12,029 returns of third-country nationals, with 70% of these departures being voluntary. Since the current administration took office, a total of 31,312 individuals have left the country, including 1,341 departures in the first two months of 2026. According to European Commission data from July 2024 to June 2025, Cyprus issued the highest number of return decisions in the EU relative to its population and GDP. Syrians remain the largest group of asylum seekers, though the ministry reported 4,081 voluntary returns to Syria during the year. Authorities attribute these trends to stricter border surveillance, expedited asylum processing, and outreach campaigns. The government is also considering legislative amendments that could allow for the revocation of protection status for individuals who fail to comply with national laws.