There has been a 26% reduction in pending asylum applications amid faster processing times for 2025, the Presidency posted on X on Sunday, citing recent data from the Deputy Ministry of Migration.
According to the figures provided, between January and August 2025, the Asylum Service issued 8,546 decisions, of which 95%—or 8,123—were negative.
Regarding Syrian nationals, the post notes that a total of 4,112 cases saw either the withdrawal of applications or the revocation of protection status. Of these, 3,541 individuals were repatriated.
The data also shows that departures of third-country nationals during the same period (January–August 2025) reached 9,033, compared to just 2,358 in 2022.
Irregular arrivals in 2025 up to the end of August stood at 1,606, significantly down from 9,307 in 2022.
The number of individuals residing at the Pournara Reception Centre also fell sharply, from 1,890 in 2022 to just 266 between January and August 2025.
The Deputy Ministry notes that Cyprus ranks first among Mediterranean frontline states in terms of relocations, according to data from the current month. Over 3,000 voluntary relocations have taken place under the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism implemented by Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Spain.
“All measures are being implemented in full respect of International and European Law, ensuring the sustainability of the asylum system and protecting genuine beneficiaries,” the Deputy Ministry stated.
“This progress is the result of coordinated action across all competent ministries and services, aimed at enhancing public safety and protecting social cohesion,” it added.
