FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Following the regime change in Syria, 2,300 Syrian nationals residing in Cyprus have voluntarily left the country, according to reports.
The Cypriot daily Fileleftheros stated that asylum applications from Syrians are currently being processed at an accelerated pace, with approximately 12,800 pending cases in the country’s asylum and refuge services.
The newspaper also reported that the Cypriot government has reassessed its stance on Syrian asylum seekers, signaling a stricter approach toward approvals.
Officials now aim to limit asylum permits to individuals with clear humanitarian needs, rather than granting broad protections.
As part of this policy shift, authorities reportedly sent official letters to 600 individuals—predominantly Syrian nationals—requesting that they clarify their residency status in Cyprus.
Officials have urged recipients to participate in a formal review process to determine their continued eligibility for asylum or residency.