Cyprus recorded a 30% decrease in irregular migrant arrivals in the first four months of 2026, while returns approached 3,000 — significantly exceeding the number of arrivals, the deputy minister for migration has said.
Speaking on state radio, Deputy Minister Nikolas Ioannidis said the challenge is shifting from limiting arrivals to improving return procedures at both the national and EU level.
He said Cyprus is actively participating in negotiations in Brussels on the new EU returns regulation.
Ioannidis said authorities are placing particular emphasis on a policy of zero tolerance toward foreign nationals who commit offenses. As part of that approach, he said, the government has begun withdrawing international protection status from individuals involved in serious crimes or deemed a threat to public order and security.