Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection, Dr Nicholas A. Ioannides, has noted the significant reduction in irregular migration flows to the Republic of Cyprus over the last two and a half years, adding that Cyprus recorded 10,092 returns in 2024 and has already exceeded 10,000 since January 2025.
According to an official press release, in the context of the preparation for the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU by the Republic of Cyprus, the Deputy Minister participated on Wednesday, in the event for the 40th Anniversary – Signature of the Schengen Agreement, co-organized by the European Parliament and the European Commission.
In his intervention, the Deputy Minister stressed the commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to the full accession into the Schengen Area noting that to achieve this goal, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is working hard and has made enormous progress. The Deputy Minister also stated that Cyprus’ accession into Schengen will contribute to safeguarding the interests of the European Union in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ioannides stressed the significant reduction in irregular migration flows to the Republic of Cyprus over the last two and a half years, as a result of targeted actions at national and international level. He noted that irregular arrivals have decreased by 87% compared to 2022. Referring to returns, he said that in 2024 they reached 10,092 while this year until now their number exceeds 10,000.
The Deputy Minister also held a series of meetings at the European Parliament with representatives of political groups and institutions during which he exchanged views ahead of the Cyprus EU Presidency, focusing on institutional cooperation and the promotion of issues in the field of immigration.
Discussions focused on the priorities of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency, including the effective promotion of critical files, such as safe countries of origin and safe third countries, as well as the promotion of the Return Regulation, with the aim of ensuring a coherent and effective implementation of the EU acquis communautaire.
The Deputy Minister underlined the will of the Republic of Cyprus for close cooperation with the European Parliament and all political groups, in order to ensure smooth institutional continuity and substantial progress during the Cyprus Presidency, the press release says. He also met with Cypriot MEPs.