According to the fresh data of the annual review of asylum and migration of the European migration network (EMN), in 2024 the number of applications for the provision of asylum in Cyprus decreased to 6750, while in 2023 there were 11,660.
This fall by 42% has become the most sharp in recent years and reflects large -scale reforms aimed at tightening migration control and increasing the efficiency of application processing. At the same time, Cyprus still remains one of the EU countries with the highest share of third countries in the population-13.8%, second only to Malta (20.4%) and Estonia (16.3%).
The review emphasizes the significance of a new pact about migration and refuge, entering into force in June 2026. He is aimed at creating a single, coordinated migration management system in the EU. Already in 2024, the member states began adaptation of legislation to prepare for large-scale changes.
The EU generally recorded a 13 percent decrease in the number of petitions about the provision of asylum, which was the first decline after several years of growth. This trend reflects the transition to a more strict and ordered migration policy within the EU.
Special attention is paid to measures to protect the rights of labor migrants. In Cyprus, a memorandum of cooperation between the labor inspectorate and the police, aimed at combating the operation and trading of people, was signed in Cyprus. This is part of all European efforts to combat violations of migrant rights.
In general, 13 EMN member countries, including Cyprus, have introduced measures to tighten the asylum systems, improve administrative efficiency, without refusing to fulfill their humanitarian obligations. On the island, these changes are supported by the reorganization of the migration management structure - the powers on asylum issues were transferred from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the new deputy minister for migration.
It is reported that Cyprus is also actively working on improving the infrastructure of taking migrants. Until the end of 2025, it is planned to complete the construction of a new accommodation center in Limnes, designed for 1000 seats. According to the Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeades, this center will become a key object in the new reception system.
Also in the review, the reception center is mentioned in Kofin, which has been operating since 2014 and has already received a reputation as an exemplary facility after a recent modernization.
In 2024, 17 EMN countries moved to a more stringent policy in the field of migration, including a revision of laws on legal migration, the procedure for providing asylum, integration and obtaining citizenship. This is caused by both national security issues, and overloading reception systems, a lack of housing and integration problems.
The review emphasizes: the changes taking place in the EU and in Cyprus in particular are aimed at more clear management of migration flows, ensuring social stability and transparency of procedures.
Source: Cyprus-Mail.com
