Cyprus has recently experienced a significant and unprecedented shift in its migration patterns. The island nation has observed a marked increase in the repatriation of irregular migrants, while simultaneously witnessing a substantial decline in new arrivals. Data compiled over the past three years, from 2022 to 2025, clearly illustrates this dramatic change, potentially signalling a paradigm shift in border management and asylum systems. This positive trend has been significantly bolstered by enhanced cooperation with the European Union, leading to a substantial rise in returns and a sharp decrease in new influxes.
During this period, the Cyprus Police’s Aliens and Immigration Service, in close collaboration with Frontex, has successfully overseen a formidable increase in repatriation operations. The number of facilitated returns grew from 7,506 in 2022 to 9,699 in 2023, and further to 10,092 in 2024. Projections for 2025 suggest an even more impressive total of 11,500 individuals being returned to their countries of origin. This represents a cumulative increase of 53% in returnees over the three-year span, demonstrating intensified efforts in managing irregular migration flows effectively.
Concurrently, the number of irregular migrants arriving on Cypriot shores has seen a precipitous fall. From a peak of 17,434 arrivals in 2022, the figure decreased to 10,994 in 2023, and then further to 6,109 in 2024. The outlook for 2025 is even more striking, with an estimated arrival figure of approximately 2,400. This astonishing reduction of 86% in arrivals over the same period paints a picture of significantly bolstered border security and a less appealing route for irregular transit.
Geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean appear to be a key factor underpinning this paradigm shift. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria in late 2024, alongside a perceived stabilisation in Lebanon, has demonstrably reduced the impetus for irregular departures from these historically significant regions. Indeed, the period between 2023 and 2024 alone recorded approximately 3,000 irregular arrivals, a stark contrast to current projected numbers.
The efficacy of these repatriation efforts has been significantly amplified by the strategic deployment of Frontex operations. This year alone, over 150 foreign nationals have been repatriated through 19 distinct Frontex-supported operations, underscoring the crucial role of EU-level coordination in managing external border security. These operations meticulously encompass both voluntary and forced return procedures, executed by the Cypriot authorities.
Despite these successes, Cyprus continues to face challenges in the broader migration landscape. The European Commission’s inaugural annual report on asylum and migration highlighted Cyprus’s position as third within the EU for irregular arrivals during the 2023-2024 period. Nevertheless, the report also acknowledged Cyprus's ongoing commitment to humanitarian principles, noting its status among EU member states granting the highest number of international protection statuses. The evolving migration narrative in Cyprus presents a complex picture of achievement alongside persistent challenges, requiring continued vigilance and a balanced approach.