The government is taking decisive steps to enhance the efficiency of deportations of irregular migrants residing in Cyprus. The justice ministry, alongside the deputy ministry of migration, announced on Thursday the formation of a new working group aimed at assessing cases of migrants who refuse to leave voluntarily.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among various authorities to maintain the positive trend of declining migrant arrivals and increasing deportations. Recent statistics indicate a significant 53 per cent rise in the number of migrants returned to their countries of origin over the past three years.
Deportations: Establishment of a New Working Group
The new working group will scrutinise individual cases, particularly focusing on those migrants who have challenged detention or deportation orders in court. Many of these individuals remain in Cyprus even after their appeals have been turned down.
The deputy migration ministry noted that complications often arise during the deportation process due to the involvement of multiple authorities, which can result in lapses in information sharing. This collaborative initiative aims to bridge those gaps and streamline communication between the justice ministry, the Cyprus police, and other relevant entities.
Current Trends in Migrant Returns
Statistics from the justice ministry reveal that a total of 11,500 migrants were returned to their countries in 2025. This marks an increase from 10,092 returns in 2024 and 9,699 in 2023. Previous years also saw a steady rise in returns, with 7,506 people departing Cyprus through either voluntary or forced return procedures in 2022.
In parallel, the number of arrivals has decreased sharply, dropping by 86 per cent from the peak of 17,434 arrivals in 2022 to around 2,400 in 2025. This significant decline is attributed to fewer arrivals from regions such as Syria and Lebanon, particularly following political developments in the region.
Legal Framework and Support for Returning Migrants
The justice ministry has highlighted that migrants who agree to return voluntarily and whose repatriation is sanctioned by their country of origin may receive financial assistance from the European Union. This support is part of broader efforts to facilitate the return process and ensure compliance with both domestic and EU legislation.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Cyprus continues to rank among the EU member states with the highest rates of granting international protection statuses, alongside countries like Austria and Greece. This duality of increased returns and high protection grants reflects the complex dynamics of migration management in the region.
