Decline in Arrivals and Asylum Applications in Cyprus

Cyprus is experiencing a decrease in migrant arrivals and asylum applications, according to data held by REPORTER. At the same time, migrant returns are increasing, as Parliament is called upon to vote on the bill for the Refugee Law, harmonizing with the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Specifically, in the first quarter of 2026, irregular migrant arrivals amounted to 427, a decrease of one-third compared to the same period last year. Compared to 2022, the decrease reaches 90%. Asylum applications in March were 187, compared to 300 in the same month last year. Compared to March 2023, the decrease reaches 88.9%.

In the first quarter of 2026, 497 asylum applications were submitted, compared to 788 last year. Compared to 2023, the decrease amounts to 84.4%. For the first time, Somalis (48) hold the lead in asylum applications, followed by Syrians (28).

An increase in migrant returns is observed, with 2,134 people having left through assisted, forced, or voluntary returns. Last year, returns reached 3,740. Of the returns, 67% were assisted, 22% were forced, and 11% were voluntary. India (343) is the leading country in returns, followed by Syria (329).

Among Syrians, in addition to the decrease in arrivals, there is an increase in the withdrawal of applications or revocations of subsidiary protection and refugee status. Of the 10,639 pending applications, 3,302 withdrew (31%).