Nicosia, Cyprus. Eurostat data published on Tuesday showed a decrease in asylum applications in Cyprus, with 130 first-time claims and 95 repeat applications in December 2025. The figures were lower than in November and compared with December 2024.
Cyprus monthly and annual comparisons
The December 2025 figures represented a decline from November last year, when 165 first-time and 105 repeat applications were recorded. They also marked a sharper drop compared to December 2024, which saw 230 first-time claims and 40 repeats.
EU-wide trend and Cyprus’ relative change
The figures reflected a broader EU trend, with 47,650 people applying for international protection in December, a 23 per cent decrease from the previous year. Cyprus’ decline was proportionally steeper for first-time applicants.
Repeat applications and demand for protection
Repeat applications in Cyprus, while fewer than first-time claims, remained significant, highlighting ongoing demand for protection among those already in the system.
Eurostat context and lack of nationality breakdown
Eurostat said the changes came amid shifting migration flows and regional developments, though no further breakdown by nationality was provided for Cyprus.
Legal rulings and deportation policy
The statistics followed recent legal rulings in Cyprus that have cleared the way for expedited deportations of Syrian nationals whose asylum appeals were rejected, underscoring the government’s focus on expediating deportations.
What do these December 2025 asylum figures suggest about current demand for international protection in Cyprus?
