Cyprus to start forced returns of Syrians as asylum rejections top 5,000
Deputy Minister Nikolas Ioannidis says Syrians without legal status will face forced returns, while irregular arrivals have dropped 92% and student permits face a crackdown.
Cyprus will begin forcing Syrian nationals who no longer hold legal status to leave the island, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannidis told Sigma's "Protoselido" programme, as reported by the broadcaster. Since December 2024, authorities have turned down over 5,000 asylum applications from Syrian citizens, and cases of people already granted international protection are being reviewed again.
Ioannidis argued that conditions in Syria have shifted enough that the grounds for protection no longer apply to many of its citizens. Around 6,000 Syrians have already left Cyprus voluntarily, he added, with more than 6,000 more expressing a wish to go back, while two assisted voluntary return schemes were run, the second wrapping up in late October.
He also confirmed the contract with a private security firm at Pournara has ended, with police taking over guarding duties on a temporary basis ahead of a full handover at the Pournara and Kofinou facilities.
"Θα ξεκινήσουν οι αναγκαστικές επιστροφές πλέον," Ioannidis said.
What it means for residents
For Syrians living here without settled status, the practical clock is now ticking: rejections are being issued in bulk and the review of already-granted protection files could touch people who believed their position was secure. Anyone affected should get legal advice on their file and keep their paperwork current rather than wait for a letter.
- Status checks: Syrians with pending or rejected claims, and those already recognised, should confirm their situation with a lawyer or the asylum service.
- Student permits: tighter scrutiny of study visas is coming, so students should make sure their enrolment and attendance records are in order.
- Camp security: the switch to police guarding at Pournara and Kofinou is temporary, with new recruits expected to replace private guards gradually.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
