**NICOSIA** – Cyprus, a nation grappling with significant migratory pressures, is poised to spearhead crucial negotiations within the European Union aimed at establishing a unified and robust policy for the return of irregular migrants. Under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides, the island state, which has recently seen a dramatic increase in migrant departures compared to arrivals, will champion EU-wide discussions on a new returns framework. This initiative comes at a time when the bloc is intensifying its efforts to manage asylum flows and enhance cooperation with third countries on readmission agreements, a move underscored by recent EU decisions to leverage trade preferences as a diplomatic tool.
The impetus for Cyprus’s proactive role stems from its own experience. Following a record influx of asylum seekers in 2022, which propelled the country to the highest per capita rate of asylum applications in the EU for an extended period, migration has become a deeply contentious political issue. The resultant social tensions have manifested in demonstrations and, regrettably, violent incidents targeting migrant workers and businesses. In response, Cyprus implemented a stringent migration strategy in 2024, with a pronounced emphasis on facilitating returns. This policy has yielded remarkable results, with departures now reportedly five times higher than arrivals, a significant portion of which are voluntary. Mr. Ioannides articulated this success, stating, "Cyprus has implemented a successful programme for returns, most of which are voluntary, and we would like to see a solid legal basis that will help other states to implement them."
The forthcoming negotiations, anticipated to commence around March, will involve complex "three-way talks" between EU member states, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. Cyprus aims to leverage its demonstrable success in implementing returns to foster consensus on a common European approach. The overarching objective is to create a cohesive legal foundation that not only streamlines the removal of individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected but also explores innovative solutions for processing asylum requests and managing returns at centres located outside European borders, potentially in countries proximate to Cyprus, such as Syria and Lebanon.
This intensified focus on returns aligns with the broader European agenda. The EU's recently agreed-upon Migration and Asylum Pact, which incorporates enhanced provisions for returns, is slated to become operational in mid-2026. The recent decision by the EU to curtail trade preferences for nations exhibiting a lack of cooperation on migrant returns signals a more assertive stance. This diplomatic leverage is intended to encourage third countries to honour their obligations under readmission agreements, a critical component in the EU's strategy to establish common measures for the efficient removal of failed asylum seekers.
The success of these negotiations is paramount for Cyprus, offering a potential pathway to alleviate its disproportionate migratory burden. More broadly, the outcome will shape the EU's collective capacity to manage irregular migration, fostering a more harmonised and potentially more effective system across the continent. As Cyprus takes the lead, the expectation is that a tangible and actionable returns policy will emerge, providing a much-needed framework for addressing one of Europe's most persistent challenges.