Cyprus: Asylum Applications Down 26%, 8,123 Negative Decisions

A significant decrease in pending asylum applications in Cyprus has been recorded, according to data from the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. The backlog has decreased by 26%.

During the period of January-August 2025, the Asylum Service issued 8,546 decisions, of which 8,123 were negative.

Regarding Syrian citizens, in 4,112 cases, applications were withdrawn or protection status was revoked, with 3,541 people being repatriated.

Departures of third-country nationals amounted to 9,033 during the same period, compared to 2,358 in 2022. Irregular arrivals decreased to 1,606 compared to 9,307 in 2022. Residents at the Pournara Center were limited to 266, from 1,890 in 2022.

Cyprus ranks first in relocations among the frontline countries of the Mediterranean, with more than 3,000 voluntary relocations.

The Deputy Ministry emphasizes that the measures are implemented with respect for International and European Law, ensuring the sustainability of asylum and the protection of genuine beneficiaries.