Nicosia, Cyprus. Parliament approved legislation on Thursday reducing the time limits for appeals against rejected asylum applications, as courts simultaneously upheld deportation decisions.
Vote and party positions
The amendment was passed with 22 votes in favour and 16 against. Support came from Disy, Diko, Elam and Dipa, while Akel, Edek and the Ecologists voted against the motion.
Changes to appeal deadlines
Under the new law, the deadline to lodge an appeal against decisions of the asylum service is reduced from 30 to 20 days. In specific categories of decrees provided for in the legislation, the filing period is cut from 15 to 10 days.
Rationale presented in parliament
Presenting the proposal, Elam MP Sotiris Ioannou said the changes target cases where asylum applications have already been rejected and deportation orders issued. He argued that existing procedures are “systematically exploited” to delay removals through procedural loopholes, claiming “tens of thousands” abuse the system.
Government framing and court backdrop
The government has framed the reform as part of a broader effort to strengthen enforcement and send a clear message on immigration control. Earlier today, the asylum court dismissed multiple appeals by Syrian nationals, ruling that rejection decisions by the immigration department were lawful.
How do you think the shorter appeal deadlines will affect rejected asylum applicants?
