The cost of managing migration in Cyprus is set to spike in 2024, more than doubling from current spending levels.
This dramatic increase comes as the Mediterranean island continues to see a rise in asylum seekers arriving on its shores.
Spending Balloons on Accommodation and Services
According to figures published by the Cypriot Interior Ministry, expenses related to migration are predicted to jump from €54 million this year to over €103 million in 2024.
These costs include staffing migrant reception centers, construction of new facilities, and civil servants working in migration-related areas.
The spike accounts for increased needs stemming from continual migrant inflows over recent years.
New accommodation, medical care, benefits, and asylum processing have driven up costs.
This forecast does not even factor in other significant expenses like welfare benefits paid directly to migrants, housing for unaccompanied minors, legal aid, or police services.
With these included, total migration costs could top €196 million next year.
EU Support Dwarfed by National Spending
While the European Union (EU) has provided financial assistance to Cyprus, national expenditures have far exceeded this support.
From 2021 to 2023, the EU gave €29 million to Cyprus for migration management.
During the same period, the Cypriot government spent over €465 million — more than 15 times the EU aid.
New Visa Rules Place Added Burden on Travelers
The spike in migration costs will coincide with the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in May 2025.
This new pre-screening for visa-free entry to the EU’s Schengen Area will place an added burden on visitors to Cyprus.
Travelers from over 60 countries will need to complete an ETIAS application and pay a €7 fee before arriving in Cyprus.
This could discourage tourism and investment at a time when the island needs economic growth.
EU Immigration Policies Leave Cyprus Vulnerable
Rising migration expenditures also highlight issues with broader EU immigration policies.
While Cyprus faces unique challenges from its geography, the disproportionate strain reveals gaps in the EU’s approach.
Tighter external borders and fairer policies for sharing asylum claims could reduce the outsized burden on frontline states like Cyprus.
Until reforms are enacted, nations like Cyprus will continue spending heavily without hope of recouping these massive costs.
Cypriot Spending Unsustainable Without EU Action
Cyprus has faced disproportionate burdens from Mediterranean migrant routes.
Recognizing this imbalance, the EU has directed additional funds to the island, including €75 million for a new migrant facility.
However, national spending continues to vastly outpace EU support.
This gap reveals an unsustainable situation without greater action.
As costs skyrocket, Cyprus requires further EU assistance to manage flows humanely and effectively.
The island nation cannot shoulder soaring expenses alone.