Cyprus revoked protection for 95 foreigners involved in crimes

The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus have begun implementing a new policy toward foreigners who were granted international protection and broke the law. A total of 95 people have already been stripped of refugee status or international protection, 80 of them Syrian nationals.

By decision of the Ministry of Migration, deportation proceedings will begin for these individuals after their status is revoked.

The authorities also intend to strip Indian nationals involved in mass brawls in Limassol, as well as Syrians implicated in the recent unrest in Xylofagou, of the right to reside in the country.

In addition, Cyprus has resumed reviewing Syrian asylum applications. By mid-July, more than 1,500 applications had already been rejected, and around 5,000 Syrians had previously voluntarily renounced international protection and returned to their home country.

For those who agree to voluntary repatriation, the European Union’s financial support program remains in place: adults receive up to 2,000 euros, children 1,500 euros each, and holders of international protection status receive an additional 1,000 euros.