**State Gets Tough on Asylum Seekers Breaking Law**
In a decisive move to reinforce law and order, the Cypriot authorities have revoked the asylum status of nearly 100 individuals due to their involvement in criminal activities. This action is part of a newly implemented policy aimed at addressing illegal behaviors among asylum seekers.
According to reports, the Asylum Service, under the direction of Deputy Migration Minister Nicolas Ioannides, has annulled the asylum status of 95 people, with 80 of these being Syrian nationals. These individuals are now slated for deportation. The government's efforts also extend to Indian nationals who participated in violent incidents in Limassol last May, with their residency permits being revoked as well.
Additionally, the government plans to rescind international protection status for Syrian nationals linked to a recent street brawl in Xylofagou. This series of actions is intended to convey a clear message: the state will not tolerate unlawful conduct, and it will take immediate steps to deport those who violate the law.
In conjunction with these revocations, authorities are preparing for the first forced returns of Syrian nationals who no longer qualify for residency in Cyprus due to changes in the political landscape of Syria. The situation in Syria has evolved significantly, prompting a reassessment of the status of many asylum seekers.
The Deputy Migration Ministry is actively promoting an Assisted Voluntary Repatriation Scheme, which offers financial incentives for Syrian families considering returning to their home country. This program, largely funded by the European Union, targets families where at least one spouse has applied for or received international protection status prior to December 31, 2024. Under this scheme, one adult family member may remain in Cyprus for employment, receiving a special two-year residence permit with unrestricted access to the labor market until August 2028.
Families opting to return to Syria can benefit from financial assistance, receiving €2,000 for the returning spouse and €1,500 for each child. Furthermore, families with existing international protection status will receive an additional €1,000.
Ioannides highlighted a notable trend following the change in the Syrian government in December 2024, with around 5,000 Syrians having either withdrawn their asylum applications or renounced their subsidiary protection status to return home voluntarily.
The examination of new asylum applications from Syrian nationals is set to resume, reflecting the shifting circumstances in Syria. To date, over 1,500 asylum applications from Syrian nationals have been denied, with the review process continuing at an accelerated pace.
Recent reports from the European Union Agency for Asylum indicate that since the political upheaval in Syria, more than 1.6 million Syrian refugees and 1.9 million internally displaced persons have returned to their areas of origin. However, significant challenges remain, including damaged infrastructure, a struggling economy, and limited access to essential services, all of which complicate the prospects for a sustainable return.
As Cyprus continues to navigate the complexities of asylum and immigration, the government's new policies signal a tough stance on criminal behavior among asylum seekers, while also addressing the evolving situation in Syria and the needs of those seeking refuge.