Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus authorities have revoked asylum status for 95 people over involvement in criminal activity, with 80 of those affected identified as Syrian nationals who are to be deported.
The measures were ordered by Deputy Migration Minister Nicolas Ioannides as part of a policy aimed at deporting people who break the law.
Residency and protection status measures
The Asylum Service removed international protection status from the 95 individuals following instructions from Ioannides.
The government has also ordered the revocation of residency permits for Indian nationals who participated in violent scuffles in Limassol in May.
International protection status will also be revoked for Syrian nationals involved in a recent street brawl in Xylofagou.
Forced returns and voluntary repatriation
According to Phileleftheros, authorities are expected to begin forced returns of Syrian nationals who are no longer entitled to remain in Cyprus following changes in the political situation in Syria.
The Deputy Migration Ministry is also continuing an EU-funded Assisted Voluntary Repatriation Scheme for Syrian families. The programme covers couples, including those without children, where at least one spouse applied for or received international protection before December 31, 2024.
Under the scheme, one adult family member may remain in Cyprus for employment with a special two-year residence permit and unrestricted access to the labour market until the end of August 2028. Other family members may return to Syria with financial incentives.
A returning spouse will receive €2,000, while each returning child will receive €1,500. Families that already hold international protection status will receive an additional €1,000 per family.
