Cyprus ends migrant relocation program ahead of launch of new EU Pact

Since June 2022, under the VSM mechanism, 3,039 applicants for international protection have been relocated from Cyprus to nine other EU countries. This is the highest figure among all frontline Mediterranean states. The main relocation peak (2,913 people) fell in the period from March 2023 to September 2025. The authorities’ high level of activity is driven by the critical strain on the island’s infrastructure: according to Eurostat for 2025, Cyprus ranks third in the EU in the number of new asylum applications per capita (2.9 applications per 1,000 residents, compared with the EU average of 1.5).

From June 12, the previous voluntary format is being replaced by the pan-European Pact on Migration and Asylum. Instead of ad hoc programs, an annual responsibility-sharing system is being introduced, which for 2026 provides for the relocation of 21,000 people or financial assistance of 420 million euros. EU countries will be able to choose their form of participation — accepting refugees, providing money, or offering practical support. All member states are required to participate in the system, except Hungary and Slovakia. Cyprus, along with Greece, Italy and Spain, has been officially recognized as a region under increased migration pressure and retains the right to support from partners.

At the same time, Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannidis announced the launch by Cyprus of a national voluntary return program for 20,000 Syrian families. Families that submitted protection applications by the end of 2024 are being offered payments for leaving the island: up to 2,000 euros per adult, 1,500 euros per child, and an additional 1,000 euros per family for persons with protection status. At the same time, one adult family member is allowed to remain in Cyprus on a work visa until August 31, 2028. According to the ministry, thanks to European funds and payments, around 5,000 Syrians have already left the island since December 2024.