Migrants off Cyprus are facing increased patrols and policy changes affecting asylum applications, particularly for Syrians. Identity checks at ports like Larnaca have become routine as EU nations struggle to address the influx of individuals seeking refuge from instability.
The suspension of asylum applications from Syrian nationals in Cyprus, termed Plan B, is legally permissible and aims to deter smugglers while aligning with European policies. This unprecedented move signifies a shift in the island’s response to new arrivals, reflecting the complex interplay between national interests and international cooperation on migration issues.
Cyprus has temporarily suspended processing asylum applications from Syrian nationals in response to the influx of refugees, implementing the pause to assess safety conditions in Syria and manage associated risks. This decision, part of a broader national security strategy, aims to address the challenges of the evolving situation in the Middle East while maintaining control over the asylum process.
Disy is calling for EU collaboration to tackle the migration challenge, proposing expedited asylum processes, agreements for migrant readmission, and investments in African stability. Party leader Annita Demetriou stresses the importance of fair migrant distribution, enhanced coastal surveillance, and effective integration policies to ensure a comprehensive and humane approach to the issue.
Cyprus is actively reforming its asylum systems, combating smuggling, improving infrastructure, and promoting integration in response to the complex issue of migration. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou emphasizes the importance of addressing humanitarian aspects and the vulnerabilities posed by the island’s strategic location between Europe and the Middle East.
The Parliament’s approval of a new deputy ministry for migration and asylum marks a pivotal moment in the country’s approach to managing migration challenges. The move aims to centralize policymaking processes, enhance coordination of services, and improve the overall management of migration and asylum cases, signaling a step towards more effective outcomes.
As of 2023, asylum applications in the EU have surged to levels similar to the 2015/16 crisis, totaling 1.14 million with an 18% increase, including a notable rise in applications from Syrians, Afghans, and Turkish nationals. Germany remains a top destination, while Cyprus has the highest per capita rate of applications, sparking discussions about migration policies ahead of crucial political events.
Cyprus has witnessed a staggering 472% surge in asylum application legal cases from 2020 to 2023, highlighting the strain on its asylum system despite a slight drop in cases in 2022. The legal service plays a critical role in representing the state in these challenges, with a significant number of appeals originating from individuals from countries deemed safe, shaping the dynamics of migration patterns in the region.
In August 2023, Cyprus experienced a 33% decrease in asylum applications, with only 895 new applications, a drop from the previous year’s 1,340. In contrast, the EU saw a 19% increase, receiving 91,735 applications. Germany, Spain, France, and Italy accounted for 68% of the EU’s new applications, while Syria was the leading country of origin for asylum seekers in the EU.
