The Republic of Cyprus shows a complicated situation with migration. On one hand, the government reports success, while the European Union (EU) says the country is still under serious pressure. This contrast exists alongside the lives of a large community of legal migrant workers who face their own difficulties.
Official numbers show a sharp decrease in irregular arrivals. Compared to over 17,000 in 2022, only about 2,200 people have arrived this year. The government says this 87% drop is because of stronger measures. These include returning more than 10,600 people and a strict asylum system that rejects most applications. A government minister calls this proof of effective policy. However, the EU has labeled Cyprus a "frontline state" due to migratory pressure. It plans to include Cyprus in a support system because of a high number of arrivals over a longer period. This recognizes the island's location, especially near the buffer zone with Turkey.
Separate from the debate on irregular migration is the settled community of legal foreign residents. One of the largest groups comes from Nepal, with up to 20,000 people, mainly women working in domestic jobs. Their move is driven by the need for work, showing a different side of migration. The Nepali representative in Cyprus has described serious problems in this community. These include poor nutrition, arguments over pay, very long working hours, and harassment. Mental health issues are a particularly tragic result.
"Someone loves and has a problem and commits suicide. This love is very dangerous," he said, pointing to personal struggles. He also noted a system failure, as standard insurance does not cover sending bodies home after a suicide. This leaves families or Nepal itself with a heavy financial burden.
Looking ahead, Cyprus is set to join an EU support plan in mid-2026. This could provide over €600 million and help relocate thousands of migrants, offering protection against future waves. Still, Cyprus deals with two stories: the government's report of control, and the reality of pressure and vulnerable legal workers. The island must manage both policy results and ongoing human challenges.