Since May 2024, when Cyprus decided to reject asylum applications, the number of illegal immigrants has decreased, while deportations and voluntary returns have increased. According to official data, about 11,000 illegal immigrants arrived in Cyprus in 2023, most of them from Syria. By September 18, 2024, this number had dropped to 5,000.
Rejecting asylum applications from “Syrians” is not the only measure. Another important factor is the stronger protection of the sea and land borders. The government is also cracking down on the illegal employment of immigrants, prosecuting employers, and deporting workers hired illegally. In 2024, around 1,800 people have been deported so far, and 5,650 have voluntarily returned to their home countries with financial assistance, bringing the total to around 7,400 immigrants leaving Cyprus, compared to 6,900 last year.
Translated and edited by Alex Kada
