Cyprus has become the first European Union (EU) state to return more rejected asylum seekers than it received in a single year.
Interior Minister Hails ‘Tough Stance’
Cyprus’ Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced this week that the country repatriated over 11,000 migrants in 2023, more than double last year’s figure. Around two-thirds left voluntarily, Ioannou said.
The minister credited the government’s “tough stance on migration” for making Cyprus a “less attractive economic destination.”
Official data shows an overall decline in migration to Cyprus in the past nine months compared to 2021.
The country has received 10,589 asylum applications so far this year, versus 21,565 in all of 2021.
In terms of total repatriations, Cyprus now ranks fourth among EU states.
Disagreement with EU Pact
Ioannou expressed dissatisfaction with the new EU migration deal, however.
He said it falls short of Cyprus’ demand for mandatory relocation of migrants from frontline states to other EU countries.
Cyprus continues pressing for parts of Syria to be deemed safe zones.
Ioannou believes this could enable the repatriation of some Syrian nationals to unharmful areas.
Syrians accounted for most 2022 sea arrivals to Cyprus.
Impact on EU Travelers
Cyprus’ hardline migration stance could make travel more difficult for some EU citizens and immigrants.
The country is part of the Schengen Zone, so tighter borders may lead to more scrutiny of visitors’ ETIAS applications when the system launches in 2025.
Families, students, remote workers, and other long-term visitors could face extra visa hurdles.
Cyprus may also be less welcoming to migrants and asylum seekers from within the EU.
Ripple Effects Across EU
Cyprus’ policy shift could spur more hardline immigration rules across the EU.
Countries already inclined to limit immigration may cite Cyprus as justification for tighter borders and ETIAS enforcement.
This could hamper freedom of movement ideals underpinning the EU project.
However, after years of division over burden-sharing, frontline states are taking matters into their own hands.
Whether that divergence presages an imminent EU migration policy crisis remains to be seen.
A Turning Point for the EU?
Cyprus’ reversal of its net migration trend could mark a pivotal moment for the EU's efforts to handle the ongoing migrant crisis.
If other frontline states like Greece and Italy follow suit in taking a harder line on repatriating rejected asylum applicants, it could relieve the pressure on nations feeling the brunt of new arrivals.
Much depends on whether the rest of the EU will support stricter repatriation policies.
Disagreements like Cyprus’ with the new EU migration pact may continue.
However, the bloc cannot afford to ignore the precedent Cyprus is setting.
Its ability to stem the tide of incoming migrants through tougher rules could provide a blueprint for the EU.