Population figures
Total country population
1,268,467
Forcibly displaced population
Refugees (under UNHCR's mandate):
43,449
Asylum-seekers:
29,541
IDPs (of concern to UNHCR):
0
Other people in need of international protection:
0
Other
Statelessness persons
0
Host community
0
Others of concern to UNHCR
0
Country context
Cyprus, an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, has seen significant refugee and asylum-seeker populations over the years, particularly from countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. Refugees and migrants typically arrive by sea, with many coming from conflict zones. The majority of these individuals live in urban areas, but there is also a considerable population residing in reception centers across the country. A large portion of the refugee population is located in the First Reception Centre at Pournara, which faces overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure..
The legal framework in Cyprus provides asylum seekers with the opportunity to apply for refugee status, although challenges persist, such as delays in processing applications and limitations on family reunification. In 2020, the government implemented reforms to expedite the asylum process, including the introduction of a list of "safe countries of origin" and a reduction in appeal deadlines for asylum decisions. However, the backlog of pending asylum applications remains a significant issue. Applicants often face difficulties in securing legal aid, and there are barriers to accessing welfare benefits, especially for individuals and families who do not meet the requirements for full integration into society.
...Family reunification, particularly for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, has become a point of concern, as the right to reunify with family members has been restricted. Additionally, refugees and asylum seekers encounter obstacles in accessing education and healthcare. Children, particularly unaccompanied minors, face delays in registration and a lack of adequate guardianship and integration support.
The influx of arrivals, especially from Syria, with the number of applications significantly increasing in recent years. lead to the expansion of reception centers like Kofinou, although these efforts have not fully alleviated the pressures. The government has also implemented measures to control the flow of arrivals, including pushbacks and increased patrols along maritime borders..
In terms of integration, Cyprus faces significant hurdles, particularly regarding language barriers, access to social services, and achieving long-term residency or naturalization for refugees. The government's recent amendments to the naturalization law have made it more difficult for asylum seekers to obtain citizenship, as the requirements for residence, language proficiency, and financial stability have become more stringent.challenge.
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