04.11.2026 06:20
The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus has begun forcibly deporting Syrians whose asylum applications have been definitively rejected. Since December 2024, more than 5,000 Syrians have had their asylum applications rejected, while approximately 6,000 people voluntarily returned to their country, and more than 6,000 people have notified their intention to return. The Greek Cypriot administration announced that the statuses of those who lost protection conditions have also been revoked, warning employers and landlords who employ undocumented individuals.
The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus has implemented a new practice for Syrian asylum seekers in the country. Nikolas Yoannidis, Undersecretary of Migration and International Protection of the Greek Cypriot Administration, announced that the mandatory return process has begun for Syrians whose asylum applications have been finally rejected by court.
Yoannidis stated that deportation procedures are being carried out in coordination with the Greek Cypriot police and relevant public institutions. It was reported that the practice was launched after the completion of voluntary return programs providing financial support.
MORE THAN 5,000 SYRIANS' ASYLUM APPLICATIONS REJECTED
In legal processes conducted since December 2024, asylum applications of more than 5,000 Syrians have been rejected. According to data announced by the Greek Cypriot administration, during the same period, approximately 6,000 Syrians voluntarily returned to their country, while more than 6,000 people notified the competent authorities of their intention to return.
Undersecretary Yoannidis stated that asylum applications deemed to lack legal basis will continue to be rejected. He also announced that the secondary protection statuses of persons who no longer meet international protection criteria have been revoked.
WARNING TO EMPLOYERS AND HOSTS
With the start of the deportation process, the Greek Cypriot administration also warned employers and property owners. Yoannidis emphasized that employers who employ persons without legal status in the country and hosts who provide housing to these persons must fully cooperate with state institutions.
Authorities reported that immigration and asylum legislation will be implemented without compromise and that mandatory return procedures will continue in coordination with the relevant institutions.