syrians withdraw — syrians withdraw — Approximately 2,800 Syrians have withdrawn their asylum claims in Cyprus, marking a significant trend as irregular migrant arrivals decline. This number accounts for 25 per cent of the total asylum and subsidiary protection applications submitted by Syrian nationals.
The Deputy Ministry of Migration has reported that as of August 2023, Cyprus experienced a notable decrease in irregular arrivals, with only 1,606 recorded compared to 9,307 in the previous year. The number of new asylum applications this year has also decreased, with 1,900 submissions noted.
Syrians withdraw: Policy Changes Accelerate Processing Times
In a bid to streamline the asylum process, the Asylum Service has intensified its examination of applications, now issuing decisions more swiftly. From January to August 2023, 8,546 asylum decisions were made, with a staggering 95 per cent resulting in negative outcomes.
Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum Nicholas Ioannides introduced new guidelines in April 2023, altering the approach to application examinations. Under the latest policy, applications from individuals who do not fit the asylum protection profile are rejected promptly, reducing the duration of the process significantly.
Increased Voluntary Returns to Syria
The trend of voluntary return among Syrian nationals has also gained momentum. In total, 4,112 Syrians have either withdrawn their applications or had their subsidiary protection status revoked, with 3,541 successfully repatriated to their home country. This movement reflects a shift in the circumstances faced by many individuals seeking refuge.
EU Relocation Efforts Show Success
Cyprus has been proactive in relocating international protection applicants, successfully transferring over 3,006 individuals to nine EU member states under the European Union’s Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism since 2022. A majority of these relocations—2,913—occurred between March 2023 and the present, positioning Cyprus as a leader in relocations among Mediterranean frontline countries.
The relocations are carefully coordinated with the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Asylum, and the International Organisation for Migration, ensuring that vulnerable groups, including families and unaccompanied minors, are prioritised.
Stricter Measures for Criminal Offenders
In light of the recent policy adjustments, enforcement measures have become more rigorous. Foreign nationals involved in criminal activities now face the revocation of their subsidiary protection status and potential deportation, should their appeals be dismissed by the courts. This includes unaccompanied minors who have been deemed troublesome.
