More than 4,370 asylum seekers deported from Cyprus in 2023

The government of Cyprus (south) has ramped up its deportation of irregular migrants this year with over 4,370 repatriated so far – compared to 2,353 last year.

According to Cyprus Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, “the number of applicants seeking protection as of June reached 5,563 compared to the 12,048 in the corresponding period last year, while returns so far exceed 4,370 compared to the 2,353 as of June last year.”

His comments came after a meeting with executive director of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Nina Gregory, and deputy director for migration and internal affairs of the European Commission, Beate Gminder.

They discussed the pressing issues of asylum and migration during a meeting at the interior ministry, where EU funding, boosting cooperation and agreements were reviewed.

He emphasised, however, that there is no room for complacency – stating that: “The issue remains a major concern and we all have a significant role to play.”

Ioannou further spoke of the Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan, stating that it represents a major step forward for Cyprus.

In May, the minister said that: “The Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan, which was decided last February, aims to restrict migration flows to Cyprus.”

“We conveyed our recommendations to Brussels three weeks ago during my visit… the goal is to complete the action plan by June and proceed with its implementation,” he said.