Cyprus President Announces Sharp Drop in Irregular Migrant Arrivals

Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides has revealed a significant reduction in the number of irregular migrant arrivals, attributing this success to enhanced government measures. Currently, only 13 migrants are stranded in the buffer zone, a marked decrease from previous figures.

The Cypriot government has intensified patrols along the buffer zone and increased maritime patrols in collaboration with Lebanon. This concerted effort has led to a 95% decrease in arrivals from Syria by boat. The buffer zone near the University of Cyprus campus in Aglantzia is now home to a group of 14 migrants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran following a temporary suspension of asylum applications.

Assistance for these stranded migrants is being provided by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Despite the challenges, President Christodoulides assures that the European Union will continue to support Cyprus in managing irregular migrant arrivals.

Why this matters: The reduction in irregular migrant arrivals in Cyprus has significant implications for the European Union's migration policies and border control measures. Effective management of migrant flows can have a positive impact on the social and economic stability of the region, while failure to do so can lead to humanitarian crises and social unrest.

The Cypriot government's Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program has seen increased participation, with 114 asylum seekers voluntarily returning to Syria in 2024, compared to around 30 in all of 2023. This initiative aims to decongest migrant reception facilities and aid the successful integration of migrants.

The situation for Syrian refugees remains dire. The U.N. human rights office has reported that those who return to Syria face gross human rights violations, including torture, abduction, sexual harassment, and violence. Muhammad Ahmad, a 28-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, lamented, "In Cyprus, they treat us like animals, not human beings."

The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants, with at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances recorded last year, according to the Missing Migrants Project. The European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights defines pushbacks as state measures aimed at forcing refugees and migrants out of their territory while obstructing access to legal and procedural frameworks.

Cyprus has the highest number of asylum applications per capita in Europe, with a population of approximately 1.2 million. The island is the closest EU member state to Syria and Lebanon, from which many Syrians are fleeing deepening poverty and violence.

The EU has adopted a landmark overhaul of its migration and asylum policies to tighten border control measures and ensure burden sharing among member states. This includes providing financial and operational support to frontline states like Cyprus.

The Cypriot government provides a monthly stipend of about 300 euros to asylum seekers, but they lose access to it if they become homeless and cannot prove a valid address. Asylum seekers in Cyprus cannot legally work for their first nine months and then only in limited sectors while their applications are pending.

President Christodoulides' announcement marks a significant step in addressing the migration challenge in Cyprus. The government's actions, coupled with EU support, aim to manage the flow of migrants more effectively and ensure humane treatment for those seeking asylum.

Key Takeaways

• Cyprus sees 95% decrease in migrant arrivals from Syria by boat due to enhanced government measures.
• Only 13 migrants are currently stranded in the buffer zone, a significant reduction.
• 114 asylum seekers voluntarily returned to Syria in 2024 through the Assisted Voluntary Return program.
• The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants, with 3,129 deaths and disappearances in 2023.
• The EU has adopted a new migration policy to tighten border control and ensure burden sharing among member states.